"Toward a Rational Theory of Progress"

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    Abstract

    Proposes to answer positively the following question: given (1) that truth cannot be considered an achievable scientific goal, & (2) I. Lakatos's failure to ground scientific rationality on the scientific method, is it possible to elucidate the notions of rationality & progress without conceding to relativism? A general & transcontextual theory of rationality is presented, grounded on the erotetic logic of problem seeking, & solving, & its historiographical implications are traced. Following the lead of R. G. Collingwood & Karl Popper, the self-correcting process of prudent & contrived troubleshooting is elucidated in terms of an account of problems & problem solving developed in terms of the general notion of a goal-directed system. 38 References. AA
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)277-304
    Number of pages28
    JournalSynthese
    Volume99
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 1994

    Keywords

    • Evolutionary epistemology
    • Rationality
    • Rational reconstruction
    • Philosophy of science
    • History of science
    • Household appliances
    • Rational choice theory
    • Reason
    • Truth
    • Judgment
    • Arts & Humanities
    • Philosophy
    • History & Philosophy Of Science
    • 20th century
    • Historical studies (History of philosophy. History of ideas)
    • Epistemology. Philosophy of science. Theory of knowledge

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