Practices of Reason: Fusing the Inferentialist and Scientific Image

This book explores the nature of human rational capacities by engaging inferentialism with empirical research in the cognitive sciences. It advocates that humans have a discursive intelligence rooted in competencies to make, assess, and justify claims. By comparing philosophical and scientific approaches, it aims to better understand human rational capacities and develop central themes from the work of Robert Brandom and other language rationalists. The book will be of interest to scholars and advanced students in philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and philosophy of logic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book delves into the intricate nature of human rational capacities by engaging in a profound dialogue between inferentialism and empirical research in the cognitive sciences. Inferentialism posits that human intelligence is fundamentally discursive, rooted in the abilities to create, evaluate, and justify claims. This approach offers a wealth of valuable insights into the essence of our rational faculties, yet it remains underdeveloped in crucial aspects. For instance, there has been limited exploration of inferentialism in the context of relevant scientific research on human communication, cognition, and reasoning. By fostering a productive exchange between philosophical and scientific perspectives, this book aims to enhance our understanding of human rational capacities by comparing their respective strengths and weaknesses. In this vein, the author critically examines and innovatively develops central themes from the works of Robert Brandom and other language rationalists, including the nature of assertoric practice, the linguistic constitution of the shared space of reasons, the social nature and function of reasoning, the intersubjective roots of social-normative practices, and the nature of objective thought.

Practices of Reason is a groundbreaking work that will captivate scholars and advanced students engaged in the fields of philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and philosophy of logic. It offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of human rationality, shedding light on its complex tapestry and providing valuable insights into the nature of our cognitive abilities. Through its rigorous analysis and innovative synthesis, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue between philosophy and the cognitive sciences, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the human mind and its remarkable capacities.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367707842