One of the most important Anglo-American philosophers of our time here joins the current philosophical debate about the nature of truth. William P. Alston formulates and defends a realist conception of truth, which he calls alethic realism (from aletheia, Greek for truth). This idea holds that the truth value of a statement (belief or proposition) depends on whether what the statement is about is as the statement says it is. Michael Dummett and Hilary Putnam are two of the prominent and widely influential contemporary philosophers whose anti-realist ideas Alston attacks.

About the Author

William P. Alston is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Syracuse University. He is the author of several books, including The Reliability of Sense Perception, also from Cornell.

Reviews

Much in this book deserves agreement and applause; it is argued with care, subtlety, and good sense.

* The Journal of Philosophy *

Alston's book makes a distinguished contribution to thought about truth, both in its positive proposal and in its sustained criticism of epistemic conceptions.... His book is mandatory reading for anyone with even a slight interest in truth.

* The Philosophical Review *

From the standpoint of both general readers and professionals in the field this may be one of the best philosophical books to come along in some time.... The depth, the scope, and the clarity of Alston's analysis is matched only by that of the great philosophers with whom he contends. Highest recommendation for all collections.

* Choice *

This excellent, ludidly written study contains many valuable insights.

* Erkenntnis *


Awards
Winner of A 1996 Choice Magazine "Outstanding Academic Title.



Book Information
ISBN 9780801484100
Author William P. Alston
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Cornell University Press
Publisher Cornell University Press
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 21mm