Combining Texts

Ideas for 'After Finitude', 'The Theory of Epistemic Rationality' and 'Pragmatism in Retrospect'

unexpand these ideas     |    start again     |     choose another area for these texts

display all the ideas for this combination of texts


2 ideas

12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 2. Qualities in Perception / c. Primary qualities
The aspects of objects that can be mathematical allow it to have objective properties [Meillassoux]
     Full Idea: All aspects of the object that can give rise to a mathematical thought rather than to a perception or a sensation can be meaningfully turned into the properties of the thing not only as it is with me, but also as it is without me.
     From: Quentin Meillassoux (After Finitude; the necessity of contingency [2006], 1)
     A reaction: This is Meillassoux's spin on the primary/secondary distinction, which he places at the heart of the scientific revolution. Cartesian dualism offers a separate space for the secondary qualities. He is appalled when philosophers reject the distinction.
12. Knowledge Sources / D. Empiricism / 3. Pragmatism
Pragmatism is a way of establishing meanings, not a theory of metaphysics or a set of truths [Peirce]
     Full Idea: Pragmatism is no doctrine of metaphysics, no attempt to determine the truth of things. It is merely a method of ascertaining the meanings of hard words and of abstract concepts.
     From: Charles Sanders Peirce (Pragmatism in Retrospect [1906], p.271)
     A reaction: Suddenly I recognise a prominent strand of modern philosophy of language (especially in America) for what it is.