"The authors argue against certain philosophical distinctions between art and science; between verbal and nonverbal meaning; and between the affective and the cognitive. The book continues Goodman's argument against one traditional mode of philosophizing which privileges the notions of 'truth' and 'knowledge'. Hence, the book is in a broadly pragmatic tradition. It also deals in detail with such topics as meaning in architecture and the concept of 'variation' in art, and contains a superb critique of some important views in contemporary epistemology. This work will be savored even by those who will not accept all aspects of Goodman and Elgin's approach. Essential for all undergraduate philosophy collections." --Stanley Bates, Choice

About the Author
Catherine Z. Elgin is Professor of the Philosophy of Education, Harvard University.

Reviews
"Covering such diverse topics as architecture, epistemology, art, literature, and music, the book is firmly held together by a unique vision. . . a brilliant work of destruction. All certainty seems to disappear under Goodman and Elgin's rigorous scrutiny. Rightness, adoption, and understanding are substituted for truth, certainty, and knowledge, without yielding to terminal scepticism or irresponsible relativism. The students of Goodman and Elgin know less but understand more." --Carl Rudbeck, Svenska Dagbladt

"The idea that knowledge and truth are not as absolutely crucial as we have thought is absolutely crucial: it is right." --Alexander Nehamas, Princeton University

Book Information
ISBN 9780872200524
Author Nelson Goodman
Format Hardback
Page Count 188
Imprint Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
Publisher Hackett Publishing Co, Inc