Description
In Error, Nicholas Rescher presents a fresh analysis of the occurrence, causality, and consequences of error in human thought, action, and evaluation. Rescher maintains that error-avoidance and truth-achievement are distinct but equally important factors for rational inquiry, and that error is inherent in the human cognitive process (to err is human). He defines three main categories of error: cognitive (failure to realize truths); practical (failure related to the objective of an action); and axiological (failure in evaluation), and articulates the factors that contribute to each. His discussion also provides a historical perspective on the treatment of error in Greek philosophy, and by later thinkers such as Aquinas, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, James, Royce, Moore, and Russell.
Error is an important reexamination of the significance of error to the fields of philosophical anthropology, epistemology, ontology, and theology. As Rescher’s study argues, truth and error are inexorably intertwined-one cannot exist without the other. Error is an unavoidable occurrence in the cognitive process-without missteps on the path to truth, truth itself cannot be attained. The risk of error is inherent in the quest for truth.
About the Author
Nicholas Rescher is Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh and co-chairman of the Center for Philosophy of Science. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he has served as president of the E
Reviews
Rescher's style is very straightforward and focuses closely on the [philosophical] arguments. There is no question that this author defends theses that are both clear and metaphysically solid. Reading this book is a real pleasure. - Estudios Filisoficos ""This book offers an interesting new interpretation and synthesis of familiar and disparate material about error. I know of no other work like it. It will interest not just specialists, but also general readers."" - Alan Musgrave, University of Otago ""A fascinating and challenging book. Rescher has taken a much neglected and overlooked idea and placed it at the heart of cognition."" - Frederick Rosen, University College London
Book Information
ISBN 9780822960119
Author Nicholas Rescher
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint University of Pittsburgh Press
Publisher University of Pittsburgh Press
Error is an important reexamination of the significance of error to the fields of philosophical anthropology, epistemology, ontology, and theology. As Rescher’s study argues, truth and error are inexorably intertwined-one cannot exist without the other. Error is an unavoidable occurrence in the cognitive process-without missteps on the path to truth, truth itself cannot be attained. The risk of error is inherent in the quest for truth.
About the Author
Nicholas Rescher is Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh and co-chairman of the Center for Philosophy of Science. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he has served as president of the E
Reviews
Rescher's style is very straightforward and focuses closely on the [philosophical] arguments. There is no question that this author defends theses that are both clear and metaphysically solid. Reading this book is a real pleasure. - Estudios Filisoficos ""This book offers an interesting new interpretation and synthesis of familiar and disparate material about error. I know of no other work like it. It will interest not just specialists, but also general readers."" - Alan Musgrave, University of Otago ""A fascinating and challenging book. Rescher has taken a much neglected and overlooked idea and placed it at the heart of cognition."" - Frederick Rosen, University College London
Book Information
ISBN 9780822960119
Author Nicholas Rescher
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint University of Pittsburgh Press
Publisher University of Pittsburgh Press
