Thinking Off Your Feet: How Empirical Psychology Vindicates Armchair Philosophy

Michael Strevens defends the armchair pursuit of philosophical knowledge by comparing concepts of philosophical things to concepts of natural kinds, such as water. He argues that the method of cases is capable of producing reliable, substantial knowledge and that agonizing about unusual "edge cases" can play a leading role in such discoveries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2019
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Many philosophers believe they can gain profound insights into the world from the comfort of their armchairs, simply by reflecting on the nature of things. However, how can the mind arrive at substantive knowledge of the world without seeking its input? In his groundbreaking work, "Thinking Off Your Feet," Michael Strevens presents an original defense of the armchair pursuit of philosophical knowledge. He focuses on "the method of cases," a powerful tool that involves making judgments about category membership, such as whether something counts as causation or the right action to take. Through this method, Strevens argues that philosophers can obtain reliable and substantial knowledge about important philosophical topics such as causality, moral responsibility, and beauty.

Strevens' approach is unique in that he compares philosophical concepts to concepts of natural kinds, such as water. Unlike traditional conceptual analysis, which seeks to find answers to philosophical questions, armchair philosophy cannot be reduced to such an approach. Philosophical concepts, like natural kind concepts, do not contain the answers to philosophers' questions. However, just as natural kind concepts provide a viable starting point for exploring the nature of the material world, philosophical concepts are capable of launching and sustaining fruitful inquiry into philosophical matters.

One of the key insights of "Thinking Off Your Feet" is that agonizing about unusual "edge cases" can play a central role in such discoveries. Strevens demonstrates how exploring these cases can lead to new insights and understanding of philosophical topics. By challenging our assumptions and preconceptions, we can break free from the limitations of traditional thinking and explore new avenues for knowledge.

"Thinking Off Your Feet" seeks to reshape current debates about the nature of philosophical thinking and the methodological implications of experimental philosophy. It makes significant contributions to the cognitive science of concepts, shedding light on how we acquire and understand philosophical knowledge. At the same time, the book restores philosophy to its traditional position as an essential part of the human quest for knowledge.

In conclusion, "Thinking Off Your Feet" is a groundbreaking work that challenges traditional assumptions about the nature of philosophical inquiry. By focusing on the method of cases and comparing philosophical concepts to concepts of natural kinds, Strevens presents a powerful defense of the armchair pursuit of philosophical knowledge. Through his insightful analysis and engaging arguments, he demonstrates that philosophers can obtain reliable and substantial knowledge about important philosophical topics, even from the comfort of their armchairs. This book will be of interest to anyone who is passionate about philosophy and the pursuit of knowledge.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 242 x 168 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674986527