Realism and Pragmatic Epistemology

Nicholas Rescher's ability to discuss difficult philosophical issues in a clear and elegant fashion is well known. These three books resonate with the breadth and depth of understanding and the engaging prose he brings to all of his work. Together, these books present an integrated and unified appro [...]
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Nicholas Rescher's ability to discuss difficult philosophical issues in a clear and elegant fashion is well known. These three books resonate with the breadth and depth of understanding and the engaging prose he brings to all of his work. Together, these books present an integrated and unified approach to the key issues of epistemology. However, each stands as a self-sufficient work; allowing readers to approach these books in whatever order best suits their interests. Epistemic Logic examines the nature of knowledge, the conceptual ramifications of the idea, and the reach and limits of what we know. Cognitive Harmony considers why it is crucial to develop our knowledge in a systematic way, and how this facet of knowledge is a key factor for its acquisition and formation. Realism and Pragmatic Epistemology explores the ways we use knowledge, and how it is the successful application of knowledge that at once substantiates and objectifies the things we believe we know.An examination of philosophical realism from the standpoint of pragmatic epistemology, Realism and Pragmatic Epistemology addresses the core idea of Rescher's work in epistemology: that functional and pragmatic concerns exert a controlling influence on the conduct of rational inquiry and on the ways in which we can and should regard its products. Pragmatism is widely regarded as a philosophical approach that stands at odds with realism, but Rescher takes a very different approach. He views pragmatism as a realistic position that can be developed from a pragmatic point of view, and utilizes a number of case studies to augment his position. Throughout, he shows how the pragmatic and purposive setting of our putative knowledge of the real world proves to be crucial for the constituting and also for the constitution of our knowledge.