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 language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 277-304 |
| Number of pages | 28 |
| Journal | Synthese |
| Volume | 99 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 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