I am working my way through Chapter 3 of Atkin’s book, where Peirce’s accounts of inquiry and truth are discussed. Very briefly, Peirce introduces belief and doubt as two complementary concepts, and he relates both of them to activity. To believe is to have grounds for a particular set of activities. By contrast, to doubt is to lose those grounds. To doubt, therefore, is to lose one’s capacity for action.. Read More
Peirce: Pragmatic Maxim
When we wish to verify a statement with observation, or when we wish to evaluate the pragmatic significance of a statement or concept, it is worthwhile to consider the context of verification or evaluation. Who is considering the statement? What else is included in terms of values and goals? What is the broader context and history of activity? What are the means of evaluation? What counts as an effect? When.. Read More
System & Theories: Class of 2018-19
It was a pleasure teaching you this term and during the past 3 years. Best of luck with the rest of your journey!
Complementary Views
When two friends go on a stroll together, they organize their movements with reference to each other. They adjust their walking speed, direction, and their distance to accommodate the other. Through such adjustments, each comes to occupy a position different from the companion. Each comes to a view different from the friend. I believe something similar happens in intellectual companionship. That is why I believe Catching Up with Aristotle has.. Read More
Margins and Vitality
A good friend asked me a series of questions, which were meant to act as writing probes. One of them was: “Is psychology a dead-end or is it waiting to be born?”. I decided to write an answer to it, because it is the only question on his list that bothered me. I sensed an urge to avoid it, and I was also inclined to see it as a personal attack. Notice this.. Read More