Fear of Knowledge: Against Relativism and Constructivism by Paul Boghossian (Eng

Description: Fear of Knowledge by Paul Boghossian Relativist and constructivist conceptions of truth and knowledge have become orthodoxy in vast stretches of the academic world. This work examines such views and exposes their fundamental flaws. FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Relativist and constructivist conceptions of truth and knowledge have become orthodoxy in vast stretches of the academic world in recent times. In his long-awaited first book, Paul Boghossian critically examines such views and exposes their fundamental flaws. Boghossian focuses on three different ways of reading the claim that knowledge is socially constructed - one as a thesis about truth and two about justification. And he rejects allthree. The intuitive, common-sense view is that there is a way the world is that is independent of human opinion; and that we are capable of arriving at beliefs about how it is that are objectivelyreasonable, binding on anyone capable of appreciating the relevant evidence regardless of their social or cultural perspective. Difficult as these notions may be, it is a mistake to think that philosophy has uncovered powerful reasons for rejecting them. This short, lucid, witty book shows that philosophy provides rock-solid support for common sense against the relativists. It will prove provocative reading throughout the discipline and beyond. Author Biography Paul Boghossian is Silver Professor of Philosophy at New York University. Table of Contents 1: Introduction2: The Social Construction of Knowledge3: Constructing the Facts4: Relativizing the Facts5: Epistemic Relativism Defended6: Epistemic Relativism Rejected7: The Paradox Resolved8: Epistemic Reasons and the Explanation of BeliefEpilogue Review anyone interested in a careful assessment for the considerations for and against social constructivism would do well to begin with Boghossians book. Mark McEvoy, Metaphilosophy Fear of Knowledge is a clear and compelling work. Travis Dumsday, Science Et Esprit This is a great book for a seminar or discussion group. And its about time that someone wrote it. Happily, it was someone with Boghossians clarity, verve, and panache. Graham Priest, Review of Metaphysics 25/07/07 ...the book does a fine job of assessing in brief compass the sort of relativism/constructivism advocated by Rorty and his fellow travelers, and Boghossians sophisticated and careful arguments against that Rortian view are often ingenious and invariably telling. Aimed at non-specialists, Fear of Knowledge may well suceed in distancing those who are enamored of "postmodern relativism"...from their postmodern enthusiasms. Harvey Siegel, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews If only Boghossians eminently reasonable book were required reading for every freshman considering entrance into the humanities... Ars Disputandi In both subject matter and execution, this book promises to become a small classic of philosophical analysis. Choice For all its sophistication and erudition, the writing is remarkably clear, free of specialized jargon, and accessible to nonspecialist readers. Choice ...lucid and effective ... Times Literary Supplement This is a book that can be read in an afternoon and thought about for a lifetime. Wall Street Journal ...a tour de force: subtle and originalbut accessible enough to be read by anyone with an interest in the subject. Wall Street Journal ...this is an important book that should be widely read. Philosophers Magazine Promotional Paul Boghossians short, lucid, long-awaited first book shows that philosophy provides rock-solid support for common sense against the relativists. Prizes Winner of *Choice* Outstanding Academic Book 2006. Long Description Relativist and constructivist conceptions of truth and knowledge have become orthodoxy in vast stretches of the academic world in recent times. In his long-awaited first book, Paul Boghossian critically examines such views and exposes their fundamental flaws. Boghossian focuses on three different ways of reading the claim that knowledge is socially constructed - one as a thesis about truth and two about justification. And he rejects allthree. The intuitive, common-sense view is that there is a way the world is that is independent of human opinion; and that we are capable of arriving at beliefs about how it is that are objectively reasonable, binding on anyone capable of appreciating the relevant evidence regardless of their social orcultural perspective. Difficult as these notions may be, it is a mistake to think that philosophy has uncovered powerful reasons for rejecting them. This short, lucid, witty book shows that philosophy provides rock-solid support for common sense against the relativists. It will prove provocative reading throughout the discipline and beyond. Review Quote this is an important book that should be widely read. Feature First book from one of the worlds most distinguished philosophersA concise refutation of the thesis that knowledge is socially constructedFascinating for anyone who cares about what is true and what can be known Details ISBN019928718X Pages 152 Publisher Oxford University Press Year 2006 ISBN-10 019928718X ISBN-13 9780199287185 Format Hardcover Publication Date 2006-02-23 Subtitle Against Relativism and Constructivism Place of Publication Oxford Country of Publication United Kingdom DEWEY 121 Media Book Illustrations black & white illustrations Short Title FEAR OF KNOWLEDGE Language English Author Paul Boghossian Affiliation New York University DOI 10.1604/9780199287185 UK Release Date 2006-02-23 AU Release Date 2006-02-23 NZ Release Date 2006-02-23 Imprint Oxford University Press Alternative 9780199230419 Audience Professional & Vocational We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. 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