Infinite Regress Arguments

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Epistemology, Religious
Cover of the book Infinite Regress Arguments by Claude Gratton, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Claude Gratton ISBN: 9789048133413
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Claude Gratton
ISBN: 9789048133413
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Infinite regress arguments are part of a philosopher's tool kit of argumentation. But how sharp or strong is this tool? How effectively is it used? The typical presentation of infinite regress arguments throughout history is so succinct and has so many gaps that it is often unclear how an infinite regress is derived, and why an infinite regress is logically problematic, and as a result, it is often difficult to evaluate infinite regress arguments. These consequences of our customary way of using this tool indicate that there is a need for a theory to re-orient our practice.

My general approach to contribute to such a theory, consists of collecting and evaluating as many infinite regress arguments as possible, comparing and contrasting many of the formal and non-formal properties, looking for recurring patterns, and identifying the properties that appeared essential to those patterns. Two very general questions guided this work: (1) How are infinite regresses generated in infinite regress arguments? (2) How do infinite regresses logically function as premises in an argument? In answering these questions I clarify the notion of an infinite regress; identify different logical forms of infinite regresses; describe different kinds of infinite regress arguments; distinguish the rhetoric from the logic in infinite regress arguments; and suggest ways of improving our discussion and our practice of constructing and evaluating these arguments.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Infinite regress arguments are part of a philosopher's tool kit of argumentation. But how sharp or strong is this tool? How effectively is it used? The typical presentation of infinite regress arguments throughout history is so succinct and has so many gaps that it is often unclear how an infinite regress is derived, and why an infinite regress is logically problematic, and as a result, it is often difficult to evaluate infinite regress arguments. These consequences of our customary way of using this tool indicate that there is a need for a theory to re-orient our practice.

My general approach to contribute to such a theory, consists of collecting and evaluating as many infinite regress arguments as possible, comparing and contrasting many of the formal and non-formal properties, looking for recurring patterns, and identifying the properties that appeared essential to those patterns. Two very general questions guided this work: (1) How are infinite regresses generated in infinite regress arguments? (2) How do infinite regresses logically function as premises in an argument? In answering these questions I clarify the notion of an infinite regress; identify different logical forms of infinite regresses; describe different kinds of infinite regress arguments; distinguish the rhetoric from the logic in infinite regress arguments; and suggest ways of improving our discussion and our practice of constructing and evaluating these arguments.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book The Inclusion of Environmental Education in Science Teacher Education by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Dendritic Cells: Biophysics, Tumor Microenvironment and Chinese Traditional Medicine by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book DNA Alterations in Lynch Syndrome by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Power Transmissions by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Studies in Social Philosophy by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Division of Labor, Variability, Coordination, and the Theory of Firms and Markets by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book A New Approach to Medicine by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Community Quality-of-Life Indicators: Best Cases VI by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Local Environmental Change and Society in Africa by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book The Isolated Heart-Lung Preparation by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Bread, Politics and Political Economy in the Reign of Louis XV by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book The Law in Philosophical Perspectives by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Three Dimensions by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Egg Parasitoids in Agroecosystems with Emphasis on Trichogramma by Claude Gratton
Cover of the book Radiopharmaceuticals for Positron Emission Tomography - Methodological Aspects by Claude Gratton
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy