Reconceptions In Philosophy - Softcover

GOODMAN, Nelson, Catherine Z. Elgin.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415048869 ISBN 13: 9780415048866

Publisher: Routledge, 1990

Synopsis

First published in 1990. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

About this title

Review

The authors argue against certain philosophical distinctions between art and science; between verbal and nonverbal meaning; and between the affective and the cognitive. The book continues Goodman's argument against one traditional mode of philosophizing which privileges the notions of 'truth' and 'knowledge'. Hence, the book is in a broadly pragmatic tradition. It also deals in detail with such topics as meaning in architecture and the concept of 'variation' in art, and contains a superb critique of some important views in contemporary epistemology. This work will be savored even by those who will not accept all aspects of Goodman and Elgin's approach. Essential for all undergraduate philosophy collections. --Stanley Bates, Choice The idea that knowledge and truth are not as absolutely crucial as we have thought is absolutely crucial: it is right. --Alexander Nehamas, Princeton University Covering such diverse topics as architecture, epistemology, art, literature, and music, the book is firmly held together by a unique vision. . . a brilliant work of destruction. All certainty seems to disappear under Goodman and Elgin's rigorous scrutiny. Rightness, adoption, and understanding are substituted for truth, certainty, and knowledge, without yielding to terminal scepticism or irresponsible relativism. The students of Goodman and Elgin know less but understand more. --Carl Rudbeck, Svenska Dagbladt

Synopsis

Goodman and Elgin put forward a radical theory of symbols and interpretation, and apply it to everything from visual art, architecture and music to analytical philosophy and literary theory. This book should be of interest to advanced students and teachers of philosophy (especially epistemology and aesthetics) and advanced students of art history and cultural studies.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415048869
• ISBN 13: 9780415048866
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 196