Conceptions of Philosophy

The Royal Institute of Philosophy has challenged distinguished philosophers to reflect on the nature, scope and possibility of philosophy.

Anthony O'Hear (Edited by)

9780521138574, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 7 January 2010

378 pages
22.7 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.54 kg

Is philosophy capable of establishing truths scientifically? If not, what can it do? What is its standing and what are its credentials? Is philosophy an essential element in humane study? Can philosophy establish anything at all? Philosophy asks questions about all areas of experience, but what about philosophy itself? In 2007–8, The Royal Institute of Philosophy, in its annual lecture series, asked distinguished philosophers to reflect on the nature, scope and possibility of philosophy. Contributors include Peter van Inwagen, Stephen Clark, John Cottingham, P. M. S. Hacker, Michela Massimi, Stephen Mullhall, Herman Philipse and Bryan Magel.

1. Visions of philosophy David Cooper
2. Listening to Clifford's ghost Peter van Inwagen
3. Metaphysical (im)mortality and philosophical transcendence John Haldane
4. My conception of philosophy Bryan Magee
5. Modern philosophy Jonathan Harrison
6. Philosophical amnesia Nicholas Capaldi
7. Philosophy: a contribution, not to human knowledge, but to human understanding P. M. S. Hacker
8. Can philosophy be a rigorous science? Herman Philipse
9. The doctor of philosophy will see you now Christopher Coope
10. Plotinus: charms and countercharms Stephen R. L. Clark
11. What is humane philosophy and why is it at risk? John Cottingham
12. Why is there something called philosophy rather than nothing? Stephen Mulhall
13. Philosophy and the sciences after Kant Michela Massimi
14. Gazing inward Charles Travis
15. Philosophy - wisdom or technique? Anthony O'Hear.

Subject Areas: Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge [HPK]