Topics of Thought: The Logic of Knowledge, Belief, Imagination

This book explores the idea that topics should be taken seriously and proposes a hyperintensional account of the propositional contents of thought. It builds epistemic, doxastic, probabilistic, and conditional logics based on this view and applies them to issues such as dogmatism, skepticism, epistemic fallibilism, imagination, suppositional reasoning, belief revision, framing effects, and the acceptability of indicative conditionals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

When one contemplates, acquires knowledge, or engages in imaginative pursuits, their thoughts take on a specific subject or topic. This topic serves as the focal point of one's mental endeavors, guiding their attention and shaping their understanding. The realm of thought is governed by a logical framework, and this book endeavors to delve into the intricacies of that framework. It suggests that to comprehend the logic of thought, we must accord topics the utmost importance.

According to the proposed hyperintensional account of thought's propositional contents, these contents are not solely determined by the set of possible worlds at which they are true but also by their topic. The book goes on to construct epistemic, doxastic, probabilistic, and conditional logics that are grounded in this perspective. These logics are applied to a wide range of issues, encompassing dogmatism, skepticism, epistemic fallibilism, imagination, suppositional reasoning, belief revision, framing effects, and the acceptability of indicative conditionals.

By taking topics seriously and recognizing their pivotal role in shaping our cognitive endeavors, this book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the logic of thought. It encourages us to approach our mental processes with a deeper understanding and a more rigorous analytical approach, enabling us to navigate the complexities of human cognition with greater clarity and precision.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 223 x 144 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192857491