The Evolution of Reason: Logic As A Branch Of Biology (Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Biology) - Softcover

Cooper, William S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521540259 ISBN 13: 9780521540254

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2004

Synopsis

This book outlines a theory of rationality in which logical law emerges as an intrinsic aspect of evolutionary biology.

About this title

Book Description

In this book, William S. Cooper outlines a theory of rationality in which logical law emerges as an intrinsic aspect of evolutionary biology. This biological perspective on logic, though at present unorthodox, could change traditional ideas about the reasoning process.

Synopsis

The formal systems of logic have ordinarily been regarded as independent of biology, but recent developments in evolutionary theory suggest that biology and logic may be intimately interrelated. In this book, William Cooper outlines a theory of rationality in which logical law emerges as an intrinsic aspect of evolutionary biology. This biological perspective on logic, though at present unorthodox, could change traditional ideas about the reasoning process. Cooper examines the connections between logic and evolutionary biology and illustrates how logical rules are derived directly from evolutionary principles, and therefore have no independent status of their own. Laws of decision theory, utility theory, induction, and deduction are reinterpreted as natural consequences of evolutionary processes. Cooper's connection of logical law to evolutionary theory ultimately results in a unified foundation for an evolutionary science of reason. It will be of interest to professionals and students of philosophy of science, logic, evolutionary theory, and cognitive science.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521540259
• ISBN 13: 9780521540254
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 238