Is knowledge discovered, or just invented? Can we ever get outside ourselves to know how Reality is in itself, independent of us? Philosophical realism raises the question whether in our knowing we connect with an independent reality--or only connect with our own mental constructs.
Schindler, Associate Professor of Metaphysics and Anthropo.
C.
This book makes a much-needed contribution to the reception of Polanyi--and offers a fresh, new way to think about reason more generally." --D. "In this lively book, Esther Lightcap Meek does more than simply make a compelling case for Polanyi\'s realism in the context of dominant epistemologies and philosophies of science; she also brings out a beautiful dimension of Polanyi\'s thought that is not often seen, deepening its metaphysical underpinnings through creative engagement with contemporary thinkers.
It shows why Polanyi\'s outlook is superior, and why that matters, not just to scientific discoverers, but to us all.
This book examines that distinctive claim, contrasting it to the wider philosophical discussions regarding realism and antirealism in the recent decades.
Polanyi defied the antirealism of the twentieth century, sounding a ringing note of hope in his repeated claim that in discovery, we know we have made Contact with Reality because "we have a sense of the possibility of indeterminate future manifestations." And that sense marks Contact with reality, because it is the way Reality is: abundant, generous, and fraught with as-yet-unnameable possibilities.
Premier scientist-turned-philosopher Michael Polanyi stepped aside from research to offer an innovative account of knowing that takes its cue from how discovery actually happens.
Modern Western culture has been infected with antirealism and the doubt, skepticism, subjectivism, relativism, and atheism that attends it--not to mention distrust and arbitrary (mis) use of reality.
Far from being a silly parlor game, the question impacts our lives concretely and deeply.
Is knowledge discovered, or just invented? Can we ever get outside ourselves to know how Reality is in itself, independent of us? Philosophical realism raises the question whether in our knowing we connect with an independent reality--or only connect with our own mental constructs
