Hope and understanding : aspects of a theory of rational inquiry
The thesis aims to establish two claims that have a role to play in any theory of rational inquiry : âą The aim of rational inquiry is understanding; this is achieved to the extent that we end up with an adequate model of the object of our inquiry. âą Rational inquiry presupposes fundamental hopes in the orderliness of the universe, and in our ability to discern that order, which it is legitimate for us to entertain. Chapter I sets the scene by describing how the two main themes of the thesis - hope and understanding - are treated in Plato's Meno dialogue , and in Peirce 's more diffuse writings on the nature of scientific inquiry . Chapter 2 is a detailed analysis of the nature of hope and its role in our inquiries. The chapter aims to answer two questions - what is hope; and when is hope legitimate - and to apply those answers to the specific hopes that underlie the possibility of rational inquiry. Chapters 3, 4 and 5 are concerned with understanding , the goa l of inquiry. Chapter 3 makes some important initial distinctions, and presents an analysis of dynamic understanding (which occurs at a particular moment in time). The chapter also introduces the concept of a model , and shows how it may be used
Gibbions, Nigel
Hope and understanding : aspects of a theory of rational inquiry. The thesis aims to establish two claims that have a role to play in any theory of rational inquiry : âą The aim of rational inquiry is understanding; this is achieved to the extent that we end up with an adequate model of the object of our inquiry. âą Rational inquiry presupposes fundamental hopes in the orderliness of the universe, and in our ability to discern that order, which it is legitimate for us to entertain. Chapter I sets the scene by describing how the two main themes of the thesis - hope and understanding - are treated in Plato's Meno dialogue , and in Peirce 's more diffuse writings on the nature of scientific inquiry . Chapter 2 is a detailed analysis of the nature of hope and its role in our inquiries. The chapter aims to answer two questions - what is hope; and when is hope legitimate - and to apply those answers to the specific hopes that underlie the possibility of rational inquiry. Chapters 3, 4 and 5 are concerned with understanding , the goa l of inquiry. Chapter 3 makes some important initial distinctions, and presents an analysis of dynamic understanding (which occurs at a particular moment in time). The chapter also introduces the concept of a model , and shows how it may be used
hope aspect theory rational inquiry aim_establish claim role_play theory rational inquiry aim rational inquiry achieve extent end adequate model object inquiry rational inquiry presupposes fundamental hope universe ability discern order legitimate entertain set_scene describe two_main theme hope treat plato dialogue diffuse writing nature scientific inquiry detailed_analysis nature hope role inquiry aim_answer two_question hope hope legitimate apply answer specific hope underlie possibility rational inquiry concern inquiry make_important initial distinction present_analysis dynamic occurs particular moment time also_introduce concept model show may_use