Overview

From the early Greeks to today's leading philosophers, the question of how our beleifs and theories relate to reality has been the cause of much fervent debate. 'Realists' claim that reality is independent of our thinking, even if it is up to us how we think about it. 'Realtivists' disagree and hold that what there is, and the thruth about it, depends on our point of view. Which is right? Is there such a thing as an independent thruth? Can we ever capture it in thought and language? Relativism and Reality: A contemporary introduction examines these crucial questions in a clear and accessible manner which will appeal to all who come to philosophy for the first time. Robert Kirk examines the thought of some of the most influential thinkers of the century, with discussions of Wittgenstein's ideas on 'language-games', Quine's 'holism', Dummett's 'anti-realism' and Rorty's 'postmodern pragmatism'. The result is a stimulating guide to fascinating and important theories about the relations between thought and reality and will be essential reading for all who seek a thorough yet accessible introduction to one of the most enduring topics in philosophy.

Full Product Details

Author:   Robert Kirk
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.294kg
ISBN:  

9780415208161

ISBN 10:   0415208165
Pages:   202
Publication Date:   24 June 1999
Audience:   General/trade ,  College/higher education ,  General ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 Truth; Chapter 3 Relative to Us?; Chapter 4 Words and World: Wittgenstein; Chapter 5 Words and World: Quine; Chapter 6 Language-Games V. Realism; Chapter 7 Foundations for Knowledge?; Chapter 8 Dummett’s Anti-Realism; Chapter 9 Rorty’s ‘Postmodern’ Pragmatism; Chapter 10 Science and the World of Everyday Life; Chapter 11 A Strong Realism;

Reviews

'Robert Kirk's short, readable, and engaging book provides an excellent introduction to the considerations that motivate relativism and the reasons they are not convincing' - Philosophical Review

Author Information

Robert Kirk is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Nottingham.

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