Beings of Thought and Action: Epistemic and Practical Rationality

Andy Mueller explores the relationship between epistemic and practical rationality, proposing a contextualist account of epistemic norms and advocating for pragmatic encroachment in epistemology. He concludes that the practical has primacy over the epistemic in important ways.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In his book, "Epistemic and Practical Rationality," Andy Mueller delves into the intricate relationship between epistemic and practical rationality. He begins by providing a comprehensive overview of the contemporary debates surrounding epistemic norms for practical reasoning, defending the thesis that epistemic rationality can lead to practical irrationality. Mueller then presents a contextualist account of epistemic norms, introducing novel norms related to ends and hope. In the second part, he examines current approaches to pragmatic encroachment in epistemology, ultimately advocating for a new principle-based argument in favor of pragmatic encroachment. While the book upholds certain principles of the knowledge-first program, one of its central conclusions is profoundly pragmatic: in a significant sense, the practical takes precedence over the epistemic.

Introduction:
The book by Andy Mueller explores the intricate interplay between epistemic and practical rationality, shedding light on the ways in which these two realms are interconnected. In the first part, Mueller provides a comprehensive overview of the contemporary debates surrounding epistemic norms for practical reasoning. He argues that epistemic rationality can sometimes lead to practical irrationality, challenging the traditional notion that epistemic norms solely govern rational behavior.

Epistemic Norms for Practical Reasoning:
Mueller proposes a contextualist account of epistemic norms for practical reasoning, emphasizing the importance of considering the specific context in which decisions are made. He introduces novel epistemic norms pertaining to ends and hope, recognizing that practical reasoning often involves goals and aspirations beyond mere knowledge acquisition. These norms help guide individuals in making decisions that are aligned with their values and goals.

Pragmatic Encroachment in Epistemology:
In the second part, Mueller examines current approaches to pragmatic encroachment in epistemology. He challenges the traditional view that epistemic norms should be strictly separated from practical considerations and argues that pragmatic encroachment can be a valuable tool for improving our understanding of knowledge and belief. Mueller advocates for a new principle-based argument for pragmatic encroachment, which emphasizes the importance of integrating practical insights into epistemic inquiry.

Conclusion:
While the book defends tenets of the knowledge-first program, one of its main conclusions is profoundly pragmatic. In an important sense, the practical takes precedence over the epistemic. Mueller emphasizes the need to consider the practical implications of our beliefs and decisions, recognizing that the success and well-being of individuals and societies depend on practical knowledge and skills.

In conclusion, "Epistemic and Practical Rationality" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between epistemic and practical rationality. By challenging traditional notions and proposing novel perspectives, Mueller provides valuable insights into how individuals can make informed and rational decisions in both epistemic and practical domains. The book's pragmatic conclusion underscores the importance of integrating practical considerations into our epistemic inquiries, ultimately leading to more effective and meaningful decision-making.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108994941