Presumption is a remarkably versatile and pervasively useful resource. Firmly grounded in the law of evidence from its origins in classical antiquity, it made its way in the days of medieval scholasticism into the theory and practice of disputation and debate. Subsequently, it extended its reach to play an increasingly significant role in the philosophical theory of knowledge. It has thus come to represent a region where lawyers, debaters, and philosophers can all find some common around. In Presumption and the Practices of Tentative Cognition, Nicholas Rescher endeavors to show that the process of presumption plays a role of virtually indispensable utility in matters of rational inquiry and communication. The origins of presumption may lie in law, but its importance is reinforced by its service to the theory of information management and philosophy.

This text shows that presumption plays a role of virtually indispensable utility in matters of rational inquiry and communication.

About the Author
Nicholas Rescher is University Professor and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh. He is the author of many books and articles on a range of topics in philosophy.


Book Information
ISBN 9780521864749
Author Nicholas Rescher
Format Hardback
Page Count 198
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 460g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 16mm