Philosophical Inquiries: An Introduction to Problems of PhilosophyIn Philosophical Inquiries, Nicholas Rescher offers his perspectives on many of the foundational concerns of philosophy and reminds us that the purpose of philosophy is to “question the questions.” Rescher sees the need to inquire as an evolutionary tool for adapting to a hostile environment and shows how philosophy has thus developed in an evolutionary fashion, building upon acquired knowledge and upon itself. In a historical thread that informs and enriches his overview, Rescher recalls the contributions of Aristotle, Plato, Plotinus, Kant, Hegel, Leibniz, Laplace, Bertrand Russell, and others. Among his many topics, Rescher discusses knowledge and the unattainablity of absolutes, skepticism and its self-defeating nature, the limits of science vs. the limits of cognition, refuting reality as mind-independent, and idealism and divining our role in nature. He considers the universe and intelligence as the product of intelligent design, science and religion as non-conflicting and purposeful pursuits, and determinism and other fallacies surrounding the concept of free will. Rescher views morality in its hierarchal structure, its applicability to human coexistence, and its ontological commitment to the enhancement of value for ourselves and our world. He examines questions of authority and the problem of judging past actions or knowledge by present standards. Overall, he argues for philosophy as an unavoidable tool for rational, cogent responses to large questions. |
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Philosophical Inquiries: An Introduction to Problems of Philosophy Nicholas Rescher No preview available - 2010 |
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accept accordingly achieve acquiescence action actually answer appropriate Aristotle author’s belief brain butterfly effect causal certainly characterize choice circumstances claims cognitive commitment completeness concrete condition consensus contentions coordination course creatures crucial Daniel Dennett decision deliberations determination effect enterprise erotetic ethical evaluative evolution evolutionary F. H. Bradley fact fallacy functional goal human idea Immanuel Kant imperfect inherent inquiry intel intelligent design interests involves issue J. L. Mackie J. O. Urmson knowledge Leibniz matter means mind mode moral nature nature’s norms objective one’s operations optimal ourselves overall Pangloss particular people’s perfectly person philosophy physical pivotal position possible practical pragmatic predict principle processes prospect pursuit question quietism rational agents reality realization reason regarding religion requires risk sceptic scientific sense simply situation social someone sort standards sure teleology theism theory thought tion understanding universe valid values world’s