Logos: The mystery of how we make sense of the world

Raymond Tallis' book "Logos" explores the gap between mind and world, challenging the idea of cognitive progress and cognitive completion and arguing that the distance between the mind and the world is necessary for knowledge to count as knowledge and for there to be a distinction between the knower and the known. He brings his formidable analysis to bear on the many challenges we face when trying to make sense of our sense-making, making tricky philosophical arguments cogent and engaging to the non-specialist and helping us see humankind more clearly.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2020
Publisher: Agenda Publishing

Our ability to comprehend the world and our place within it is both awe-inspiring and profoundly enigmatic. The sheer volume of knowledge and understanding that we possess, though incomplete, far surpasses what we are capable of or even fully experience has perplexed the greatest minds for centuries. In his book "Logos," Raymond Tallis delves into the gap between mind and world, examining the stakes involved in our attempts to make sense of our surroundings and our existence. Through his characteristic blend of scholarly rigor and infectious humor, Tallis unveils how philosophers, theologians, and scientists have sought to demystify our extraordinary capacity to understand the world by bridging the gap between the mind that perceives and the world that is perceived. Such strategies, whether proposing that the world resides within the mind or integrating the mind into the world, are revealed as fundamentally flawed and inadequate in explaining the intelligibility of the world. Indeed, Tallis argues that the very distance we need is crucial if knowledge is to be considered genuine and if there is to be a distinction between the knower and the known.

Tallis applies his formidable analysis to address a range of challenges we encounter when attempting to make sense of our sense-making. These include the concept of cognitive progress, which assumes the attainment of complete understanding as a benchmark; cognitive completion, which unites the diverse strands of our understanding, encompassing everything from the laws of nature to our inherent everyday understanding of things, including the meanings we live by; and the knowing subject—us—with our partial and limited viewpoint mediated by our physical bodies.

Throughout the book, Tallis showcases his encyclopedic knowledge and insightful perspectives on these topics. He offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical and philosophical developments that have shaped our understanding of the mind-world relationship. Tallis also delves into the ethical and philosophical implications of our capacity to comprehend the world, raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of knowledge, truth, and the role of the individual in the broader context of society.

"Logos" is a captivating and thought-provoking journey that invites readers to explore the depths of human cognition and the complexities of our relationship with the world. With his engaging writing style and profound insights, Raymond Tallis provides a valuable contribution to the field of philosophy and sheds light on the enduring mysteries of our existence. Whether you are a student of philosophy, a curious mind, or simply someone seeking to deepen your understanding of the world, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 237 x 164 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788210874