Naturalized Epistemology
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Beyond Skepticism Foundationalism and the New Fuzziness: the Role of Wide Reflective Equilibrium in Legal Theory Robert Justin Lipkin
Cornell Law Review Volume 75 Article 2 Issue 4 May 1990 Beyond Skepticism Foundationalism and the New Fuzziness: The Role of Wide Reflective Equilibrium in Legal Theory Robert Justin Lipkin Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/clr Part of the Law Commons Recommended Citation Robert Justin Lipkin, Beyond Skepticism Foundationalism and the New Fuzziness: The Role of Wide Reflective Equilibrium in Legal Theory , 75 Cornell L. Rev. 810 (1990) Available at: http://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/clr/vol75/iss4/2 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at Scholarship@Cornell Law: A Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Cornell Law Review by an authorized administrator of Scholarship@Cornell Law: A Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. BEYOND SKEPTICISM, FOUNDATIONALISM AND THE NEW FUZZINESS: THE ROLE OF WIDE REFLECTIVE EQUILIBRIUM IN LEGAL THEORY Robert Justin Liphint TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .............................................. 812 I. FOUNDATIONALISM AND SKEPTICISM ..................... 816 A. The Problem of Skepticism ........................ 816 B. Skepticism and Nihilism ........................... 819 1. Theoretical and PracticalSkepticism ................ 820 2. Subjectivism and Relativism ....................... 821 3. Epistemic and Conceptual Skepticism ................ 821 4. Radical Skepticism ............................... 822 C. Modified Skepticism ............................... 824 II. NEW FOUNDATIONALISM -
A Critical Reflection on W.V.O. Quine's Naturalized Epistemology
© 2019 IJRAR May 2019, Volume 6, Issue 2 www.ijrar.org (E-ISSN 2348-1269, P- ISSN 2349-5138) A Critical Reflection on W.V.O. Quine’s Naturalized Epistemology Abraham Tsehay Jemberie Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia Abstract: W. V. O. Quine is the prominent advocate of naturalized epistemology, collection of philosophical views that employs scientific methods, results and practices to solve epistemological problems. In this paper, I explore whether Quine’s argument to replace epistemology by science is convincing. In naturalized epistemology, Quine totally rejects the normative aspect of epistemology; he focuses on the descriptive part of epistemology. Other thinkers such as Kim, Stroud, Almedir, Rorty argues that epistemology without norm is epistemology in name only. Furthermore, all philosophical questions cannot be answered by applying scientific methods, because philosophy’s scope is broader than science. Thus, Quine’s attempt to scientized philosophy in general and epistemology in particular is unattainable. Key Words: W. V. O. Quine, Naturalized Epistemology, Replacement Naturalism 1. Introduction W. V. O. Quine is the prominent proponent of naturalized epistemology. He thought that traditional epistemology has to be replaced by naturalized epistemology. According to Quine, traditional epistemology has two projects: doctrinal project and conceptual project. He held that these two projects of traditional epistemology have failed. Quine argued that the failure of these projects indicates that traditional epistemology is unattainable. So, he concluded, traditional epistemology has to be replaced by naturalized epistemology. In this paper, I am going to explore whether Quine’s argument used to replace traditional epistemology by naturalized epistemology is convincing. -
View from the Archimedean Point
View from the Archimedean Point Susanne Kass Degree Thesis for Entrepreneurship in the Arts, Master of Culture and Art Master Degree Programme in Culture and Art Novia University of Applied Sciences Jakobstad 2016, Finland MASTER’S THESIS Author: Susanne Kass Degree Programme: Master of Culture and Arts Specialization: Entrepreneurship in the Arts Supervisors: Power Ekroth and Emma Westerlund Title: View from the Archimedean point ________________________________________________________ Date: 13.4.2016 Appendices: 2 Number of pages: 71 ________________________________________________________ Summary View from the Archimedean Point attempts to develop a method of reading art which draws on the theories of vision initiated by ancient Greek philosopher Archimedes and developed by Hannah Arendt in The Human Condition. Archimedes speculated that if he could find solid ground on which to stand and a long lever that he could shift the Earth. From this place he would also have a view of totality removed and distinguishable from the view allowed by his regular human capacities. Arendt developed this idea in relation to Descartes and the modern viewpoint which is assisted by technology. Here I attempt to outline the ways that artistic practice is connected to the human condition and how art has been affected by the many advancements in technology in both a practical and abstract sense. Digital tools may be useful but they can also radically affect values systems related to economic but also social and cultural value. By outlining some of the mechanisms which allow these shifts to occur and showing how images and ideas have functioned as Archimedean points in the past, I hope that it will give a basis for the model of using the Archimedean point as a tool for reading and thinking about art, which are then presented in applied examples from my own work in the appendices. -
Naturalizing Ethics
2 Naturalizing Ethics OWEN FLANAGAN, HAGOP SARKISSIAN, AND DAVID WONG Introduction In this chapter we provide (1) an argument for why ethics should be naturalized, (2) an analysis of why it is not yet naturalized, (3) a defense of ethical naturalism against two fallacies – Hume and Moore’s – that it allegedly commits, and (4) a proposal that normative ethics is best conceived as part of human ecology committed to pluralistic relativism (Flanagan 1995; 2002; Wong 1984; 1996; 2006b). The latter substantive view, supported by a neocompatibilist view of human agency, constitutes the essence of Duke naturalism. It provides a credible substantive alternative to bald or eliminativist Australian ethical natu- ralism, especially one that supports moral skepticism (Mackie), and to the more reticent Pittsburgh naturalism.1 Naturalism in the Broad Sense Ethical naturalism is a variety of a broader philosophical naturalism, so it will be good to say what naturalism in the broad sense is. According to the OED, the original philosophical meaning of the term “naturalism” dates back to the 17th century and meant “a view of the world, and of man’s relation to it, in which only the operation of natural (as opposed to supernatural or spiritual) laws and forces is admitted or assumed.” 1 McDowell coined the term “bald naturalism” (McDowell 1996) and sometimes characterizes it in a way that engenders or is akin to moral skepticism. In principle, a naturalist might be a moral skeptic, believing that there are no moral properties as ordinarily conceived and thus that moral propositions are literally false (or meaning- less). -
A Critical Examination of Quinean Naturalism______A Closer Look at Quine’S Naturalized Epistemology
A Critical Examination of Quinean Naturalism_________ A Closer Look at Quine’s Naturalized Epistemology Ashley Spring Florida Atlantic University We always speak from within a theory, a system of the world. There is no neutral or presuppositionless position from which we can make judgments about the world and our theory of it: all of our judgments must be evaluated as being part of a substantive theory of the world. In particular our philosophical remarks are made from within such a theory. —Peter Hylton Introduction The resources of traditional epistemology have been exhausted. The result is the necessary paradigmatic shift from ‘first philosophy’ to a more plausible, and albeit, naturalized enterprise. W.V. Quine’s shift towards naturalizing epistemology serves as a catalyst for epistemic inquiry through the inclusion of the natural sciences in epistemology. In so naturalizing epistemology, Quine does not view epistemology as a prior or foundational discipline that can be justified a priori but rather, as an integral part of our web of beliefs about the world. 1 Such a radical departure from the foundationalist program better captures our epistemic aims by focusing on the resources found in the natural sciences relative to knowledge acquisition. This paper will provide a critical examination of Quiean naturalism through a close examination of Quine’s “Epistemology Naturalized.” Indeed, through this critical examination of Quine’s epistemological project, we should see how Quine’s naturalized epistemology serves as a radical yet, practical starting point for epistemic inquiry, along with how such a naturalized shift establishes a more philosophically plausible approach to epistemology. -
Does Epistemic Naturalism Vindicate Semantic Externalism?- an Episto-Semantical Review*
Ravenshaw Journal of Philosophy, Vol. III December 2017 27-37 ISSN: 2395-3209 Does Epistemic Naturalism vindicate Semantic Externalism?- An Episto-semantical Review* SANJIT CHAKRABORTY Department of Philosophy Jadavpur University, Kolkata-32, W.B. ABSTRACT The paper concentrates how could the acceptance of radical naturalism in Quine’s theory of meaning escorts Quine to ponder the naturalized epistemology. W.V. Quine was fascinated about the evidential acquisition of scientific knowledge, and language as a vehicle of knowledge takes a significant role in his regimented naturalistic theory that is anchored in the scientific framework. My point is that there is an interesting shift from epistemology to language (semantic externalism). The rejection of the mentalist approach on meaning vindicates external that somehow pave the way for ‘semantic holism’, a thesis where the meaning of a sentence is defined in turns to the totality of nodes and paths of its semantic networks where the meaning of linguistic units depend upon the meaning of the entire language. I would like to relook on Quine’s heart throbbing claim about the co-extensiveness of the sentential relation and the evidential relation that point towards an affirmation of meaning holism and semantic externalism. Besides, the knowledge of acquaintance that relinquishes the singular thought from the account of psychological consideration and self-knowledge hypothesis copes up with the testimonial and warrant knowledge entangling by the claims of social-knowledge as anticipated by Alvin Goldman. My conclusion would be nearer to the stance of semantic externalism inculcated by the social knowledge (in epistemic sense) and semantic holism. 28 SANJIT CHAKRABORTY W. -
New Archimedean Point for Intelligence and Foreign Policy - Reflexivity, Complexity & Culture
New Archimedean Point for Intelligence and Foreign Policy - Reflexivity, Complexity & Culture Lowell F. Christy Jr. Ph.D. Cultural Strategies Institute The talk/paper will expose the narrow epistemological foundations of current embodiments in Intelligence and Foreign Policy that results in Intelligence Failure, Blowback and Policy Missteps. Through the lens of the seven "sins" of omission or commission underlying current institutionalized concepts of art/craft of intelligence and formation/execution of foreign policy, the paper will propose HOW reflexivity, complexity and culture can overcome our epistemic malaise. The structure of the argument is based on case studies of METHODS for the use of mind resulting in a proposed TOOL KIT for establishing SUPPLY CHAINS of data, information, knowledge & wisdom (DIKW) that could rise to the mantle of "intelligence." There is an epistemological (science of knowing) revolution brewing in the worlds of intelligence and foreign policy. Paradigms of the past of what constitutes intelligence and how we perceive and interact with the "Other." are now counter productive. A breed of "warriors of the mind" are basing change on a new relationship between epistemology and ecology systems – an ecology of minds. Instead of the touch stones of truth based on being outside the system (God, Form, Reason, Science), intelligence is now being redefined as fields of self organizing, information processing organisms/organizations. What will the new intelligence and foreign policy look like? An Archimedean point (Punctum Archimedis")is a hypothetical perspective from which an observer can objectively perceive the subject of inquiry, with a view to the totality. The method of "removing oneself" from the object of study so that one can see it in relations to all other things has characterized Western thought from the Greeks, Medieval Europe, Western Enlightenment right up to the ways our intelligence agencies and foreign policy is conducted. -
Philosophy 427 Intuitions and Philosophy
Philosophy 427 Intuitions and Philosophy Russell Marcus Hamilton College Fall 2009 Class 2: Foundationalism Marcus, Intuitions and Philosophy, Fall 2009, Slide 1 Two foundationalist projects in the modern era P Rationalism, epitomized by Descartes P Empiricism, epitomized by Locke and Hume Marcus, Intuitions and Philosophy, Fall 2009, Slide 2 Descartes’s Meditations P Three skeptical hypotheses < Sense illusion < Dreaming < Demon deceiver P A “single Archimedean point”: knowledge of his mind: “I am, I exist, as long as I am thinking.” P God’s existence P A method of securing all the rest of his knowledge, ensured by the goodness of God P The rest of the details < the new Galilean science < some orthodox religious beliefs Marcus, Intuitions and Philosophy, Fall 2009, Slide 3 The synthetic presentation P Based on Euclid’s Elements < foundational claims in geometry gain universal agreement < metaphysical foundations are less obvious to the folk P The Elements < definitions: mainly unproblematic < five more general logical axioms, or common notions – not in question in geometry – In metaphysics, they are more contentious < five geometric postulates < The remaining propositions Marcus, Intuitions and Philosophy, Fall 2009, Slide 4 The parallel postulate P If a straight line falling on two straight a lines makes the interior angles on the same side less than two right angles, b the two straight lines, if produced indefinitely, meet on that side on a+b < ð which are the angles less than the two right angles. P Playfair’s postulate: given a line, and a point not on that line, there exists exactly one line which passes through the given point parallel to the given line. -
The Medieval Social Epistemologies of Augustine and Aquinas
Knowing and Trusting: The Medieval Social Epistemologies of Augustine and Aquinas by Matthew Kent Siebert A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Philosophy University of Toronto 2014 © Copyright by Matthew Kent Siebert, 2014 Knowing and Trusting The Medieval Social Epistemologies of Augustine and Aquinas Matthew Kent Siebert Doctor of Philosophy Department of Philosophy University of Toronto 2014 Abstract This dissertation is an introductory exploration of two influential medieval thinkers, Augustine and Aquinas, on the topic of testimony. I explain how Augustine’s view that testimony is a source of knowledge (notitia) developed through four stages, and argue that on Augustine’s view testimonial belief is justified inferentially. I argue that Aquinas thinks some testimonial belief is justified inferentially, and some is justified by adhering to the speaker as the formal object of one’s belief, on the grounds that the speaker is truthful. I argue that these provide knowledge when they provide cognitio. And I argue that Aquinas’s view can be developed into a plausible account of testimonial trust and trustworthiness. ii Acknowledgments I am extremely grateful for the guidance and support of Peter King, Martin Pickavé, and Jennifer Nagel in the writing of this dissertation. I am also grateful to Deborah Black, Michael Siebert, Simona Vucu, and Ian Drummond, for their very helpful comments on earlier drafts of some of these chapters. And I am grateful to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the University of Toronto for financial support. -
A Framework for Understanding Naturalized Epistemology Amirah Albahri
Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2011 A Framework for Understanding Naturalized Epistemology Amirah Albahri Follow this and additional works at the FSU Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected] THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES A FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING NATURALIZED EPISTEMOLOGY By AMIRAH ALBAHRI A dissertation submitted to the Philosophy department In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy Degree Awarded: Fall Semester, 2011 Amirah Albahri defended this dissertation on November 7, 2011 The members of the supervisory committee were: Michael Bishop Professor Directing dissertation Michael Kaschak University Representative Michael Ruse Committee Member The Graduate School has verified and approved the above-named committee members, and certifies that the dissertation has been approved in accordance with university requirements. ii To, My Mother (Mariam, Mero, Dai Marwan) Shafi, Tareq and Yaser. Saying ‘thank you’ is not enough. I owe you everything. You have always been there for me, and I will always be there for you. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. vi List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. viii Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... -
The Naturalistic Epistemology of Hume and Wittgenstein
Macalester Journal of Philosophy Volume 19 Article 8 Issue 1 Spring 2010 10-7-2010 The aN turalistic Epistemology of Hume and Wittgenstein Dawit Dame Macalester College Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/philo Recommended Citation Dame, Dawit (2010) "The aN turalistic Epistemology of Hume and Wittgenstein," Macalester Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 19: Iss. 1, Article 8. Available at: http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/philo/vol19/iss1/8 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Philosophy Department at DigitalCommons@Macalester College. It has been accepted for inclusion in Macalester Journal of Philosophy by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Macalester College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 115 The Naturalistic Epistemology of Hume and Wittgenstein Dawit Dame Introduction David Hume is well known for his skepticism on a wide range of topics, such as causation, the existence of a world external to the mind and the existence of an enduring self. As a result of this, the negative aspect of Hume’s philosophy often clouds the extent to which he wants to ground his epistemology in positive natural facts about humans. Wittgenstein never read Hume and nowhere is it evident that Hume had any influence on Wittgenstein’s works. Perhaps the only influence Hume had on Wittgenstein is simply being a philosopher of a certain tradition that Wittgenstein primarily sought to question. Wittgenstein like Hume, however, is committed the view that human knowledge, philosophical or otherwise, is ultimately grounded in natural facts about human beings. In this paper I will identify and discuss Hume’s and Wittgenstein’s naturalism and argue that both Wittgenstein and Hume seek to ground human knowledge on empirical natural facts about humans. -
6. the Cogito
6. The Cogito • Procedural Work and Assessment • The Cartesian Background • Merleau-Ponty: the ‘tacit’ cogito Assessment • Procedural work: Friday Week 8 (Spring) – A draft/essay plan (up to 1500 words) • Tutorials: Week 10 (Spring) • Assessed work: Monday Week 2 (Summer) • Word limits – Second years: 2000-3000 – Third years: 3000-4000 – DO NOT EXCEED!!! Marking Criteria Mark 80 ! 100 Exceptional and outstanding work that presents original ideas which are clearly worked out and set in the context of a well-understood philosophical debate. 70 " 79 Excellent work that presents the issues clearly and accurately, which shows evidence of independent thought and critical reflection on the module material, and which displays a sophisticated grasp of the subtleties of the philosophical debate. 60 " 69 Good work that presents philosophical views and problems in an accurate and well- organized way, and which shows a solid grasp of the main issues and an ability to exercise philosophical judgment. 50"59 Satisfactory work that shows understanding of the main issues and familiarity with a decent range of module material. 40"49 Work that adequately presents a l imited range of relevant module material in a structured way. 35"39 Work that shows some understanding of a limited range of module material. 0 " 3 4 Work that shows little or no understanding of the basic issues covered in t he module material. Resources • Bibliographies – Module Outline and last slide of each lecture – Philosopher’s Index, available via the library’s website: http://www.york.ac.uk/library/subjects/philosophy.htm