ISSN:
1572-8587
Keywords:
Evolutionary Epistemology
;
Genetic Epistemology
;
cognition (human knowledge)
;
theories of truth
;
explanation of validity claims by genetic means
;
adaptation
;
unity of selection
;
reality
;
constructivism
;
relativism
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Philosophy
,
Nature of Science, Research, Systems of Higher Education, Museum Science
Notes:
Summary This essay is a discussion of Eve-Marie Engels' view on Evolutionary Epistemology (EE). In the first part two of the main doctrines of EE are criticized: (1.) that validity of human knowledge is to be explained as the result of evolutionary adaptation; yet (2.), that human cognitive capacities had been adequate to our ancestors life conditions but fail in relevant situations of modern world. In the second part the concept of reality underlying EE's adaptational view is discussed and compared with Jean Piaget's concept of reality. Finally, it is held that some of the questions recently raised by proponents of EE, far from being new, have been dealt with already in historical epistemology.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01801452
