DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Cognitive Complications

Epistemology in Pragmatic Perspective

Nicholas Rescher author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Lexington Books

Published:8th Oct '15

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Cognitive Complications cover

The prime intent of Cognitive Complications is one of innovation. Rescher addresses issues that are under-examined in the present state of discussion, their inherent interest notwithstanding. The linking thread of these investigations is their pragmatic dimension, inherent in the idea that rational inquiry is itself a practice—albeit one that functions in the ideationally cognitive rather than physically manipulative realm. And as a practice it has its aims and functions which in their turn provide for the standards of adequacy and efficacy that establish the criteriological norms of our cognitive proceedings.

Rescher's style, as with many of his other works, is fluid and clear. He has an uncanny capacity to explain matters with lucidity and efficiency; this book is exemplary in this regard. . . .Cognitive Complications is a well-written and innovatively argued articulation of the consequences of epistemic pessimism. . . .Rescher's work is a solid contribution to the pragmatist program of squaring our aspirations for knowledge with our practical interests. * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *
In his characteristically clear and precise style, Nicholas Rescher has once again provided us with a probing and illuminating study on  the limits of and the nature of knowledge.  Blending strains of pragmatism and idealism, he provides us with yet another example of how to think clearly and incisively about difficult and vexing philosophical topics. -- Joseph C. Pitt, Virginia Tech
In this masterful book, Nicholas Rescher tackles a number of under-examined issues in epistemology from a pragmatic perspective.  Guided by his theme that inquiry is itself a practice, governed by the usual norms of practical reason, Rescher brings insight to a range of topics, including the goals of science, the nature of induction, and the role of technology in the natural sciences. -- John Greco, Leonard and Elizabeth Eslick Chair in Philosophy, Saint Louis University
An exemplary, clear, and precise expression of the pragmatic and idealistic conditions of current and classic issues in epistemology. -- Gary Overvold, Clark University

ISBN: 9781498521802

Dimensions: 236mm x 159mm x 21mm

Weight: 472g

222 pages