Reviewing each major theory of philosophy chronologically, the authors organise these theories into their respective subject areas: metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and philosophy of religion. Within each subject area, they discuss how the sceptical challenge gave rise to different philosophical positions.
In present-day societies, knowledge is not only the key to the world, but the making of the world. In this broad-ranging analysis of the central role that knowledge plays in our life Nico Stehr critically examines the premises of existing social theory and explores the knowledge relations in advanced societies. The result is i significant new synthesis of social theory. The issues addressed in "Knowledge Societies" include: the process of scientization - the penetration of scientific knowledge not only into production but into most spheres of social action; the transformation of the political system by increasingly knowledgeable citizens; the rise of specific areas of expertise and changes in corresponding institutions based on the deployment of specialised knowledge; a shift in the nature of societal conflict from struggles about the allocation of income and property to claims and conflict about generalized human needs; the emergence of fragility as a basic attribute of modem social organizations. The author does not argue that the transformations of contemporary societies around knowledge lead to any unilinear pattern of change, or to universal shifts to the advantage of specific social groups. But his argument amply demonstrates that all social theories now need to take account of the changing nature of social relations around knowledge, and defines the parameters within which this analysis should take place. This book will be essential reading for all those interested in social theory, sociology of knowledge and science, and the whole issue of knowledge in the late twentieth century,
Seeks to establish the a priori principles underlying the faculty of judgement. This title deals with the subject of our aesthetic sensibility. It discusses the apparent teleology in nature's design of organisms, that is, organisms display a complex inter-working of parts, which are subordinated as means to serve the purpose of the whole.
An analysis of the building blocks that form the foundation of theory in the social sciences, showing how to analyze any theory, evaluate its worth, assess its connections, and understand its development. Uses seven defining questions about the four essential components of any theory, and examines
How many of us can state clearly what a value is? By making use of everyday situations, this book helps us identify and understand the values we hold. It also shows us how to form them, use them, and justify them against the competing values of others.
In present-day societies, knowledge is not only the key to the world, but the making of the world. In this broad-ranging analysis of the central role that knowledge plays in our life Nico Stehr critically examines the premises of existing social theory and explores the knowledge relations in advanced societies. The result is a significant new synthesis of social theory. The issues addressed in "Knowledge Societies" include: the process of scientization - the penetration of scientific knowledge not only into production but into most spheres of social action; the transformation of the political system by increasingly knowledgeable citizens; the rise of specific areas of expertise and changes in corresponding institutions based on the deployment of specialised knowledge; a shift in the nature of societal conflict from struggles about the allocation of income and property to claims and conflict about generalized human needs; the emergence of fragility as a basic attribute of modern social organizations. The author does not argue that the transformations of contemporary societies around knowledge lead to any unilinear pattern of change, or to universal shifts to the advantage of specific social groups. But his argument amply demonstrates that all social theories now need to take account of the changing nature of social relations around knowledge, and defines the parameters within which this analysis should take place. This book will be essential reading for all those interested in social theory, sociology of knowledge and science, and the whole issue of knowledge in the late twentieth century,
The Dynamics of Science and Research in Contemporary Societies
In this provocative and broad-ranging work, a distinguished team of authors argues that we are now seeing fundamental changes in the ways in which scientific, social and cultural knowledge is produced. They show how this trend marks a distinct shift towards a new mode of knowledge production which is replacing or reforming established institutions, disciplines, practices and policies. Identifying a range of features associated with this new mode - reflexivity, transdisciplinarity, heterogeneity - the authors illustrate the connections between these features and the changing role of knowledge in social relations. While the main focus is on research and development in science and technology, the book outlines the changing dimensions of social scientific and humanities knowledge. The relations between the production of knowledge and its dissemination through education are also examined. "The New Production" of Knowledge places science policy and scientific knowledge in its broader context within contemporary societies. It will be essential reading for all those concerned with the changing nature of knowledge, the social study of science, educational systems, and with the relations between R&D and social, economic and technological development.
A group of scholars met at the State University of New York at Buffalo to share their thoughts on the nature of humans as rational animals. Drawing from the meeting, these essays discuss about the nature and extent of rationality - its content, focus, and the intrinsic guidelines for using the term "rational" when describing persons or actions.
