Human Knowledge and Human Nature: A New Introduction to an Ancient Debate - Hardcover

Carruthers, Peter

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 019875101X ISBN 13: 9780198751014

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1992

Synopsis

Contemporary debates in epistemology devote much attention to the nature of knowledge, but neglect the question of its sources. The distinctive focus of Human Knowledge and Human Nature is on the latter, especially on the question of innateness. Peter Carruthers's aim is to transform and reinvigorate contemporary empiricism, while also providing an introduction to a range of issues in the theory of knowledge. He gives a lively presentation and assessment of the claims of classical empiricism, particularly its denial of substantive a priori knowledge and also of innate knowledge. He argues that we would be right to reject the substantive a priori but not innateness, and then presents a novel account of the main motivation behind empiricism, which leaves contemporary empiricists free to accept innate knowledge and concepts. He closes with a discussion of scepticism, arguing that acceptance of innate concepts may lead to a decisive resolution of the problem in favour of realism.
The book will be of equal interest to students of the history of modern philosophy and the theory of knowledge, and their teachers. It provides a new way of looking at classical empiricism, and should lead to a renewal of interest in the innateness issue in epistemology.

About this title

Review

"Very good introduction to contemporary issues in theory of knowledge. Exceptionally clear and concise."--Manuel Davenport, Texas A&M

"A careful reflection on the relation of human nature to the bases of our knowledge. Lucidly and engagingly written."--Leonard W. Ortmann, Conception Seminary College

"Students of philosophy will find Human Knowledge and Human Nature both instructive and provocative."--Times Literary Supplement

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 019875101X
• ISBN 13: 9780198751014
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 199