Advances in Experimental Philosophy and Philosophical Methodology

Description

The rise of experimental philosophy is generating pressing methodological questions for philosophers. Can findings from experimental studies hold any significance for philosophy as a discipline? Can philosophical theorizing be improved through consideration of such studies? Do these studies threaten traditional philosophical methodology? Advances in Experimental Philosophy and Philosophical Methodology addresses these questions, presenting a variety of views on the potential roles experimental philosophy might play in philosophical debate. Featuring contributors from experimental philosophy, as well as those who have expressed criticism of the experimental philosophy movement, this volume reflects on the nature of philosophy itself: its goals, its methods, and its possible future evolution. Tackling two major themes, contributors discuss the recent controversy over the degree to which intuition plays a major role in philosophical methodology and the characterization of the role of the experimental philosophy project. They also look at the relationship between so-called 'positive' and 'negative' projects and examine possible links between experimental and mainstream philosophical problems. Close discussion of these themes contributes to the overall goal of the volume: an investigation into the current significance and possible future applications of experimental work in philosophy.

Jennifer Nado is Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Lingnan University, Hong Kong.

Experimental philosophy is changing fast. Nado brings together contributions right at the cutting edge, from among the leaders and leading critics of the field. This will be required reading for anyone who wants to keep up to date with the evolving controversies. -- Eric Schwitzgebel, Professor of Philosophy, University of California, Riverside, USA This volume is a valuable addition to the swiftly growing literature on experimental philosophy. -- Stephen Stich, Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science, Rutgers University, USA This timely volume probes foundational questions about experimental philosophy and hence about philosophy itself. What should experimental philosophy be trying to do and how should it go about doing it? The volume provides some nicely provocative answers from a variety of perspectives. It's a must read for experimental philosophers and their critics. -- Michael Devitt, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Graduate Center, City University of New York, USA Experimental philosophy has unleashed a storm of controversy: some see it as a bold and superior new approach to old problems, others doubt its capacity to touch questions of fundamental philosophical interest, and others still wonder whether it can complement traditional methods in some fairly circumscribed way. All of these perspectives are represented in this compilation, which presents a refreshing range of provocative ideas and feisty arguments, together with a clear and thoughtful introduction. This accessible volume sets the stage for the next wave of debates about the nature and future of philosophical methods. -- Jennifer Nagel, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Toronto, Canada