pragmatic-objectivity

The idea that objectivity in cognition is justified pragmatically, as abandoning it would be self-defeating and undermine rational inquiry.

1 chapter across 1 book

Epistemology: An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge (2003)Nicholas Rescher

Part II: Rational Inquiry and the Quest for Truth 7. Foundationalism versus Coherentism HIERARCHICAL SYSTEMIZATION: THE EUCLIDEAN MODEL OF KNOWLEDGE

This chapter explores the epistemological debate between foundationalism and coherentism, contrasting the hierarchical Euclidean model of knowledge with the network-like cyclic systematization. It further examines the coherentist approach to truth, cognitive relativism and contextualism, and the pragmatic rationale behind cognitive objectivity and rationality. The discussion highlights challenges such as validating objectivity and rationality, and defends the pragmatic necessity of objectivity and rational inquiry despite their inherent complexities.