Experimental Turn and the Methods of Philosophy

Experimental philosophy is a controversial and potentially revolutionary area of philosophical research that questions basic concepts regarding human intuitions and seeks to understand them through scientific investigations. In The Experimental Turn and the Methods of Philosophy, Michael J. Shaffer argues that the significance of experimental philosophy can best be assessed and understood in methodological terms, tracing the roots of the movement to Quinean naturalism and demonstrating its deep, revolutionary significance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Experimental philosophy is a highly contentious and potentially transformative field of philosophical inquiry that has garnered significant attention in recent years. X-Phi, as it is commonly referred to by its practitioners, poses fundamental questions about human intuitions, which have shaped the philosophical discourse for centuries. In contrast, X-Phi redirects philosophical research towards scientific investigations to gain a deeper understanding of human intuitions. This approach draws upon research techniques borrowed from psychology and neuroscience to explore the nature of human cognition.

While scholars engage in lively debates about whether experimental philosophy signifies a significant shift or merely a passing trend, there is a lack of comprehensive literature that examines the X-Phi movement in relation to its methodological framework. In response to this gap, Michael J. Shaffer's book, The Experimental Turn and the Methods of Philosophy, emerges as a valuable contribution. Shaffer aims to provide a methodological assessment of experimental philosophy and elucidate its significance within the broader context of philosophical inquiry.

By comparing and contrasting traditional perspectives on philosophical methodology with those of experimental philosophy, Shaffer traces the origins of the movement back to Quinean naturalism. He also highlights the profound and revolutionary implications of the experimental turn, emphasizing its potential to transform the way we approach philosophical problems. Through meticulous analysis and engaging arguments, Shaffer demonstrates the value of adopting an experimental approach in philosophy, offering insights into the nature of knowledge, belief, and intuition.

The Experimental Turn and the Methods of Philosophy is a thought-provoking and indispensable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the frontiers of philosophical inquiry. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the methodological implications of experimental philosophy and its potential to reshape the discipline. By offering a comparative analysis of traditional and experimental approaches, Shaffer encourages readers to reevaluate their assumptions about philosophical methodology and embrace the exciting possibilities that arise from adopting an experimental mindset.

In conclusion, experimental philosophy emerges as a groundbreaking and controversial field that challenges fundamental assumptions about human cognition. Through its methodological innovations, experimental philosophy seeks to deepen our understanding of human intuitions and transform the way we approach philosophical problems. Michael J. Shaffer's book, The Experimental Turn and the Methods of Philosophy, plays a crucial role in providing a comprehensive assessment of this movement and its methodological implications. By offering a comparative analysis of traditional and experimental approaches, Shaffer encourages readers to reevaluate their assumptions about philosophical methodology and embrace the exciting possibilities that arise from adopting an experimental mindset.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415898287