Realism and Truth
In this provocative and wide-ranging book, Michael Devitt argues for a thoroughgoing realism about the common-sense and scientific physical world, and for a correspondence notion of truth. Furthermore, he argues that, contrary to received opinion, the metaphysical question of realism is distinct from, and prior to, any semantic question about truth. The book makes incisive responses to Putnam, Dummett, van Fraassen, and other major anti-realists. The new afterword includes an extensive...
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In this provocative and wide-ranging book, Michael Devitt argues for a thoroughgoing realism about the common-sense and scientific physical world, and for a correspondence notion of truth. Furthermore, he argues that, contrary to received opinion, the metaphysical question of realism is distinct from, and prior to, any semantic question about truth. The book makes incisive responses to Putnam, Dummett, van Fraassen, and other major anti-realists. The new afterword includes an extensive discussion of the metaphysics of nonfactualism, and new thoughts on the need for truth and on the determination of reference. John Divers - The Philosophical Quarterly With this worthwhile second edition, Devitt's voice remains one of the most important and distinctive in the arena of contemporary metaphysics-it is too loud and too clear to be ignored.
Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition Part I Introduction 1 Introduction Part II Proposals 2 What is Realism? 3 What is Truth? 4 What has Truth to do with Realism? 5 Why be a Common-Sense Realist? 6 Why do we Need Truth? 7 Why be a Scientific Realist? Part III Polemics 8 Van Fraassen against Scientific Realism 9 Kuhn, Feyerabend, and the Radical Philosophers of Science 10 Davidsonians against Reference 11 Rorty's Mirrorless World 12 The Renegade Putnam 13 Worldmaking 14 Dummett's Anti-Realism Part IV Conclusions 15 Conclusions Afterword List of Major Named Maxims and Doctrines Bibliography Index
\ Philosophical ReviewA wide-ranging examination of several central issues in metaphysics, philosophy of language, epistemology, and philosophy of science. Realism and Truth is well worth reading. Devitt writes with clarity and sophistication, and his book is sure to ruffle some anti-realist feathers.\ — Philip Gasper\ \ \ \ \ The Philosophical QuarterlyWith this worthwhile second edition, Devitt's voice remains one of the most important and distinctive in the arena of contemporary metaphysics-it is too loud and too clear to be ignored.\ — John Divers\ \ \ The Review of MetaphysicsThis book is highly recommended for those who want to break into the current realism/anti-realism debate. . . . An ideal text for those teachers who want to give their students a 'map of the territory.'\ — Patrick Madigan\ \ \ \ \ The Philosophical Quarterly\ - John Divers\ With this worthwhile second edition, Devitt's voice remains one of the most important and distinctive in the arena of contemporary metaphysics-it is too loud and too clear to be ignored.\ \ \ \ \ Philosophical Review\ - Philip Gasper\ A wide-ranging examination of several central issues in metaphysics, philosophy of language, epistemology, and philosophy of science. Realism and Truth is well worth reading. Devitt writes with clarity and sophistication, and his book is sure to ruffle some anti-realist feathers.\ \ \ \ \ The Review of Metaphysics\ - Patrick Madigan\ This book is highly recommended for those who want to break into the current realism/anti-realism debate. . . . An ideal text for those teachers who want to give their students a 'map of the territory.'\ \ \ \ \ Philosophical ReviewA wide-ranging examination of several central issues in metaphysics, philosophy of language, epistemology, and philosophy of science. Realism and Truth is well worth reading. Devitt writes with clarity and sophistication, and his book is sure to ruffle some anti-realist feathers.\ — Philip Gasper\ \
