Overview
In this book, Ilhan Inan questions the classical definition of curiosity as a desire to know. Working in an area where epistemology and philosophy of language overlap, Inan forges a link between our ability to become aware of our ignorance and our linguistic aptitude to construct terms referring to things unknown. The book introduces the notion of inostensible reference (or reference to the unknown). Ilhan connects this notion to related concepts in philosophy of language: knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description; the referential and the attributive uses of definite descriptions; the de re/de dicto distinction; and Kripke’s distinction between rigid and accidental designators. Continuing with a discussion of the conditions for curiosity and its satisfaction, Inan argues that the learning process—starting in curiosity and ending in knowledge—is always an effort to transform our inostensible terms into ostensible ones. A contextual account is adopted for the satisfaction of curiosity. It then discusses the conditions of successful reference to the object of curiosity and its presuppositions. The book concludes with a discussion on the limits of curiosity and its satisfaction.
Full Product Details
Author: Ilhan Inan
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint: Routledge
Weight: 0.453kg
ISBN: 9781138098664
ISBN 10: 1138098663
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 16 June 2017
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Tertiary & Higher Education
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.
Reviews
"""As the first book-length philosophical treatment of curiosity, this volume brings together epistemology and philosophy of language to the benefit of both disciplines. It is tightly argued, informative, and very timely. It will become standard reading on the topic."" -- Dennis Whitcomb, Western Washington University, USA"
""As the first book-length philosophical treatment of curiosity, this volume brings together epistemology and philosophy of language to the benefit of both disciplines. It is tightly argued, informative, and very timely. It will become standard reading on the topic."" -- Dennis Whitcomb, Western Washington University, USA
As the first book-length philosophical treatment of curiosity, this volume brings together epistemology and philosophy of language to the benefit of both disciplines. It is tightly argued, informative, and very timely. It will become standard reading on the topic. -- Dennis Whitcomb, Western Washington University, USA
Author Information
Ilhan Inan is a Professor of Philosophy at Boğaziçi University, Turkey.
