Reason and Reality: Realism and Idealism in Pragmatic Perspective

by Nicholas Rescher

Overview

Reason and Reality expounds a pragmatic metaphysics that offers a new approach to this subject's traditional objective of providing us with a secure cognitive grip on the nature of reality. The characteristic nature of this metaphysical approach lies in its commitment to the idea that the requisite security is best and most reliably provided by functional considerations of pragmatic efficacy service the aims and purposes of rational inquiry and effective communication.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742545069
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	03/22/2005
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	6.32(w) x 9.08(h) x 0.74(d)

About the Author

Nicholas Rescher is University Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Real Things: Reality and Its Contrasts
Chapter 2 On Quantifying Knowledge: And the Gulf between Linguistic Truth and Objective Fact
Chapter 3 Immediate Experience and Ontology: A Functional Perspective on Philosophical Realism
Chapter 4 Presumptions and Evidentially Transcendental Concepts: An Idealistic Perspective on Philosophical Realism
Chapter 5 Pragmatic Realism: A Practicalistic Perspective on Philosophical Realism
Chapter 6 Realism and Cognitive Debility: An Epistemic Perspective on Philosophical Realism
Chapter 7 On the Metaphysics and Epistemology of Laws of Nature:The Inherent Risks of Scientific Empiricism
Chapter 8 Pragmatism and Practical Rationality
Chapter 9 Name Index

Editorial Reviews

The great current revival of pragmatism is beginning to bear new fruit. Rescher's thoughtful development of a sweeping and sophisticated new metaphysics offers promise of integrating science with values. A wonderfully perceptive and articulate book.

John Lachs

In this important new study, Nicholas Rescher adds another chapter to his longterm project of integrating metaphysical realism and epistemic idealism in a neo-Peircean pragmatic framework. Exemplary for its clarity, comprehensiveness, and meticulous exposition, Rescher's inquiry into fundamental problems of ontology is sure to be widely discussed for its invaluable insights on the nature of reality and its methodological lessons about the scope and limits of scientific philosophy.

Dale Jacquette

In this important new study, Nicholas Rescher adds another chapter to his longterm project of integrating metaphysical realism and epistemic idealism in a neo-Peircean pragmatic framework. Exemplary for its clarity, comprehensiveness, and meticulous exposition, Rescher's inquiry into fundamental problems of ontology is sure to be widely discussed for its invaluable insights on the nature of reality and its methodological lessons about the scope and limits of scientific philosophy.--Dale Jacquette, Editor, American Philosophical Quarterly

The great current revival of pragmatism is beginning to bear new fruit. Rescher's thoughtful development of a sweeping and sophisticated new metaphysics offers promise of integrating science with values. A wonderfully perceptive and articulate book.--John Lachs, Vanderbilt University

From the Publisher