The book formulates an evolutionary approach to the theory of knowledge, based on the parallelism between the natural selection of our cognitive capacities and the rational selection of the methodological processes by which we put them to work. The former reflects the biological evolution of homo sapiens, the latter the cultural evolution of homo quaerens through the development of a scientific community of inquirers with its characteristic practices. This dual aspect of cognitive evolution indicates that our human cognitive accomplishments are limited by our particular evolutionary attunement to the world's scheme of things and are bound to reflect the character of our particular evolutionary niche. The resulting doctrinal position is one of a realistic relativism.

About the Author
Nicholas Rescher is University Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh where he serves as Vice-Chairman of its Center for Philosophy of Science.

Reviews
The book is well-written, concise, and nicely organized. Recommended for any library supporting at least an undergraduate major in philosophy or the natural sciences. * CHOICE *



Book Information
ISBN 9780847676156
Author Nicholas Rescher
Format Hardback
Page Count 144
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 372g
Dimensions(mm) 223mm * 148mm * 18mm