Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1160592 | Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A | 2010 | 16 Pages |
Abstract
The paper begins with a detailed reconstruction of the development of Ian Hacking’s theory of scientific ‘styles of reasoning’, paying particular attention to Alistair Crombie’s influence, and suggesting that Hacking’s theory deserves to come under the title ‘historical epistemology’. Subsequently, the paper seeks to establish three critical theses. First, Hacking’s reliance on Crombie leads him to adopt an outdated historiographical position; second, Hacking is unsuccessful in his attempt to distance historical epistemology from epistemic relativism; and third, Hacking has not (yet) offered convincing criteria for individuating styles of reasoning.
Keywords
Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities
Arts and Humanities
History
Authors
Martin Kusch,