Debating the A Priori

Debating the A Priori explores the possibility of obtaining knowledge just by thinking, presenting contrasting views by Boghossian and Williamson. The debate covers epistemology, language, metaphysics, and the nature of logical knowledge. It examines the distinctions between analytic and synthetic, a priori and a posteriori, and the conditions for linguistic understanding. The authors explore implications for philosophy and its methods, highlighting the main fault lines in contemporary philosophy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Debating the A Priori: An Extended Debate

In this captivating exploration, two renowned philosophers engage in a series of exchanges, delving into the depths of understanding what kind of knowledge can be obtained solely through thinking. The debate, presented in the form of alternating chapters, showcases radically contrasting views, as Boghossian and Williamson present detailedReplies to each other's arguments.

At the heart of this extended debate lies the examination of the nature of basic logical knowledge and the justification for fundamental deductive inferences. The arguments span a wide range of epistemological, philosophical of language, and metaphilosophical domains. The participants delve into the status of distinctions between analytic and synthetic, as well as the complexities surrounding a priori and a posteriori knowledge. They also explore the conditions for linguistic understanding and competence, raising profound questions about the nature of grasping concepts and having intuitions.

Both authors take a deep dive into the implications of their arguments for the workings of philosophy itself. They explore the relationship between reason and experience, the status of basic beliefs, the nature of concepts and intuitions, the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world, the methodologies for studying knowledge, and the essence of philosophical inquiry.

Through their lively and engaging exchanges, the reader is invited to witness the evolution of a philosophical debate firsthand. The authors provide thoughtful conclusions that sum up their positions and place the arguments in the broader context of contemporary philosophy. This captivating exploration not only sheds light on the intricacies of knowledge acquisition but also offers insights into the dynamic nature of philosophical inquiry.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 232 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192882219