EVIDENCE AND
INQUIRY
Towards Reconstruction in Epistemology
SUSAN HAACK
"This book
u
at once a fine introduction and a significant contribution to
contemporary epistemology. In addition to elaborating and persuasively
defending a position ofher own which adroitly steers between the Scylla
ofapriorism and the Charybdis ofscientism, Susan Haack discusses and
makes powerful and highly detailed criticism ofthe views of a range of
contemporary philosophers-Sir Karl Popper, W. V.
O.
Quine, Richard
Rorty, Alvin Goldman, and Paul and Patricia Churchland, among others–
criticisms to which these philosophers and their numerous admirers will
have to reply.
"
-Hilary Putnam, Harvard University
"Susan Haack's book is a most impressive contribution to the recent revival
ofepistemology.
It
is at once comprehensive-both in the range of
problems that it deals with and in the wealth of recent discussion that it
examines-ondjudicious-in the care with which things often confused
are discriminated and with which conclusions are kept firmly in touch
with the reasons that support them. Susan Haack's demolition ofvarious
forms of fashionable relativism is admirably effective. I was pleased to
discover that I have, without realizing it, always been some kind of
foundherentist."
-Anthony Quinton, Trinity College, Oxford
"Susan Haack here offers a new look at traditional theory ofknowledge.
She knows the subject well and proposes reasonable and original solutions
to its problems. The book
u
forceful and refreshing and very much worth
the attention ofanyone who is interested in epistemology. "
-Roderick M Chisholm, Brown University
"I read Susan Haack's book with both pleasure and profit.
It
contains a
uniquely thorough critique ofstandard epistemological theories and of
more recent attempts (e.g., Rorty's) to discredit, or replace, the whole
analytical enterprise. The failures oftraditional foundationalist and
coherence accounts are plainly displayed and a satisfying synthesis ofthe
legitimate elements in both is achieved. The whole is done with an
exemplary clarity.
"
-Sir Peter Strawson, Magdalen College, Oxford
November
1993
6
x
9
0-631-11851-9
hardcover
320
page.s
S44.95
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