In recent years, developments in experimental philosophy have led many thinkers to reconsider their central assumptions and methods. It is not enough to speculate and introspect from the armchair-philosophers must subject their claims to scientific scrutiny, looking at evidence and in some cases conducting new empirical research. The Theory and Practice of Experimental Philosophy is an introduction and guide to the systematic collection and analysis of empirical data in academic philosophy.

This book serves two purposes: first, it examines the theory behind "x-phi," including its underlying motivations and the objections that have been leveled against it. Second, the book offers a practical guide for those interested in doing experimental philosophy, detailing how to design, implement, and analyze empirical studies. Thus, the book explains the reasoning behind x-phi and provides tools to help readers become experimental philosophers.

About the Author
Justin Sytsma is Senior Lecturer in the Philosophy Programme at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Jonathan Livengood is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA.

Reviews

"This book is an amazing accomplishment. The first four chapters offer an up to the minute overview of work in experimental philosophy and a persuasive response to x-phi's critics. The remaining ten chapters provide a sophisticated and authoritative how-to-do-it guide for those who want to do experimental philosophy: research design, statistics and even IRB approval-it's all here." - Stephen Stich, Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of Philosophy & Cognitive Science, Rutgers University.

"Experimental philosophy is by far the most significant and exhilarating development in philosophy during the 21st century. Justin Sytsma and Jonathan Livengood's book vividly conveys the enthusiasm embodied by this philosophical movement, introduces philosophers to the tools needed to do experimental philosophy, and explores the philosophical significance of experimental philosophy in depth and with great care. A must-read for beginners and advanced philosophers alike." - Edouard Machery, University of Pittsburgh

"This book is the real thing-a beautifully accessible, wonderfully well-informed introduction to the field from two highly accomplished practitioners. It is a perfect point of entrance for people who want to find out what experimental philosophy is all about." - Joshua Knobe, Yale University

"A clear-headed, up-to-date introduction to the nature and methods of experimental philosophy, by two leading contributors to the field." - Eric Schwitzgebel, University of California, Riverside

"This book is a one-stop shop to bring yourself up to speed on both the theory and practice of experimental philosophy. Get this book, and get in on the fun!" - Ron Mallon, Washington University in St. Louis

"The Theory and Practice of Experimental Philosophy represents a tremendously important accomplishment-the creation of a genuinely interdisciplinary "how to" manual, something of interest to philosophers and social scientists alike. It has already become a "must read" for students interested in working in my lab." - Jen Cole Wright, College of Charleston

Book Information
ISBN 9781554810086
Author Justin Sytsma
Format Paperback
Page Count 376
Imprint Broadview Press Ltd
Publisher Broadview Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 522g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 18mm