two-sided-explanation

The argument that both human cognitive evolution and nature's inherent order contribute to the intelligibility of the natural world.

1 chapter across 1 book

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

Chapter 15

Chapter 15 explores the profound puzzle of why nature is intelligible to humans, particularly through mathematics and natural science. It critiques the notion that this intelligibility is a miracle or inexplicable mystery, arguing instead for a two-sided explanation rooted in humans being evolved parts of nature and nature affording conditions for intelligent beings to arise and comprehend it. The chapter emphasizes that while nature's intelligibility is remarkable, it is neither complete nor perfect, and understanding this requires demystifying the relationship between mind and nature.