C.I. Lewis: The A Priori and the Given

This edited collection explores Clarence Irving Lewis' philosophy through the concepts of the a priori and the given, emphasizing their relation and dialogue with other notable figures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited collection delves into the philosophical framework of Clarence Irving Lewis, exploring two fundamental concepts that shape his conceptual pragmatism: the a priori and the given. The interplay between these two aspects of knowledge forms the central theme of Lewis's masterpiece, Mind and the World Order. While Lewis's conceptual pragmatism opposes any notion of the a priori as limiting the mind and experience, it simultaneously highlights the immutability and unavoidable nature of the given, regardless of how it is interpreted by the mind. The chapters within this book engage in a thoughtful dialogue with other prominent figures in twentieth-century philosophy, including Goodman, Putnam, Quine, Russell, Sellars, and Sheffer.

C.I. Lewis: The A Priori and the Given serves as a comprehensive exploration of a previously overlooked figure in twentieth-century American philosophy. By examining the interplay between the a priori and the given, this collection sheds light on Lewis's unique philosophical perspective and its significance in the broader realm of intellectual discourse. Through engaging with other notable philosophers, Lewis's work contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities of knowledge, truth, and the nature of reality.

The a priori and the given are two fundamental concepts that underpin Clarence Irving Lewis's philosophical framework, conceptual pragmatism. The a priori refers to knowledge that is independent of experience and is derived from logical reasoning or innate concepts. On the other hand, the given refers to the empirical world that we perceive through our senses and experiences.

Lewis believed that the a priori and the given are not mutually exclusive but rather are interconnected. He argued that the a priori provides a foundation for our understanding of the given and that our experiences shape our interpretation of the a priori. For example, we may have innate concepts of space, time, and number, which provide us with a framework for understanding the physical world. However, our experiences of the physical world can modify our understanding of these concepts, leading to new discoveries and revisions.

One of the key ideas in Lewis's philosophy is that the a priori and the given are not static but are constantly evolving. He argued that our understanding of the a priori is not fixed but is constantly being refined and updated as we gain new experiences and insights. This idea is known as the "dynamic conception of the a priori."

Lewis also believed that the a priori and the given are not independent of each other but are interdependent. He argued that our understanding of the given is shaped by our prior knowledge and beliefs, and that our prior knowledge and beliefs are shaped by our experiences. This idea is known as the "circular conception of the a priori."

Another important aspect of Lewis's philosophy is his emphasis on the importance of dialogue and discussion. He believed that the a priori and the given are not absolute but are subject to interpretation and debate. He encouraged philosophers to engage in open and honest dialogue to explore and understand these concepts and to develop new ideas and theories.

In conclusion, Clarence Irving Lewis's philosophy of conceptual pragmatism is a rich and complex framework that explores the relationship between the a priori and the given. He argued that these two concepts are interconnected and that they are constantly evolving. Lewis's emphasis on dialogue and discussion is a key aspect of his philosophy, as it encourages philosophers to engage in open and honest dialogue to explore and understand these concepts and to develop new ideas and theories.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367770860