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Title: Fear of Knowledge: Against Relativism and Constructivism
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Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
List Price: $19.95
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| Fear of Knowledge: Against Relativism and Constructivism by Oxford University Press, USA Boring | Short? Yes. Lucid? No. Witty? Definitely not! Boghossian is your garden variety analytic philosopher, and in this book, it shows. Some of the defects? Overly technical; lacks imagination (B.'s arguments against the thesis are apparently so devestating that, by the time he gets to the epilogue, you can't even understand why someone intelligent would hold such a view). Anyway, maybe he's right. Probably spot-on. But Rorty makes a more convincing case, for instance -- because he seems more *interested* in what he has to say and he says it more eloquently.
On the other hand, Chapter 8 isn't so bad. But I wouldn't call it witty. *Quine* is witty. This ain't Quine. | | Fear of Knowledge: Against Relativism and Constructivism by Oxford University Press, USA Boghossian's tone was a definite turn-off. | I am a graduate student in English with additional background in Sociology, so before I began reading Boghossian's book, I fully expected to find myself questioning some of my beliefs. I actually looked forward to thinking critically about them.
I will admit that I have been a proponent of relativism and constructivism since completing my first undergraduate courses in anthropology and sociology, and my recent studies of feminist, post-colonial, ethnic, and post-modern theories of literature have only enhanced this world-view. I realize, too, that expecting Boghossian to convince a person with my background that constructivist and relativist world-views are faulty is a tall order.
Nevertheless, in true relativist fashion, I approached Boghossian's text with genuine interest and an open mind, willing to make concessions and change my views where they were exposed as faulty.
I will admit that I did not finish the book. The preface and introduction were engaging, but as I read further, I became more and more frustrated with Boghossian's failure to adequately consider his audience. Writers of successful arguments are sensitive to and considerate of the opposition; they are tactful and careful not to alienate their readers. Boghossian fails miserably in this area.
I found his tone patronizing on more than one occasion. Boghossian makes the mistake of attacking his readers' intelligence before he has devoted adequate energy to supporting his own argument.
For example, I will quote the following passage from page 25:
"Of the three constructivist theses before us the most influential is the thesis of fact-constructivism--which is somewhat surprising given that it is also the most radical and the most counterintuitive. Indeed, properly understood, fact-constructivism is such a bizarre view that it is hard to believe that anyone actually endorses it."
The reader who already agrees with Boghossian might silently utter a "So true." to himself or herself, but a reader who needs convincing is simply turned off. I actually found myself thinking, "What a jerk!" and had to put the book down for a few minutes. After having to put the book down a couple more times, I gave up and decided to write this review. | | Fear of Knowledge: Against Relativism and Constructivism by Oxford University Press, USA Succinct and poignant | While this book doesn't necessarily accomplish the author's goal of being accessible to non-philosophers, it is elegantly written and well organized.
It is a rather convincing argument that accuses relativists and constructivists of being to liberal with the scopes of their theses. Boghossian is, however, partial to logic and the analytic tradition. I would imagine that some of the more Continental-leaning readers tend to think this text is biased. Notwithstanding, I have read few philosophical works that have been as clear and focused as this one. | | Fear of Knowledge: Against Relativism and Constructivism by Oxford University Press, USA Lucid book | | Clear, concise and accessible arguments for a difficult topic. A great effort for the autor to remain dispassionate while offering a plausible and definite case against relativism and contructivism. Just awaiting for the next book of Boghossian, perhaps a longer one! | | Fear of Knowledge: Against Relativism and Constructivism by Oxford University Press, USA real knowledge! | | The debate about truth has gone on for millenia, but Boghossian has done a superb job of summarizing the current debates about relativism. Considering that he is a former student of Richard Rorty, a book presenting a diametrically opposite point of view shows the kind of intellectual mastery that can only be generated from deep immersion in the point of view being criticized. For a 130 page book, there is tough sledding; but the advantage of a short book, is that you can read it a second time, and maybe even a third, without taking too much time away from your other pursuits of "the truth." | | Fear of Knowledge: Against Relativism and Constructivism by Oxford University Press, USA Product Description | The idea that science is just one more way of knowing the world and that there are other, radically different, yet equally valid ways, has taken deep root in academia. In Fear of Knowledge, Paul Boghossian tears these relativist theories of knowledge to shreds. He argues forcefully for the
intuitive, common-sense view--that the world exists independent of human opinion and that there is a way to arrive at beliefs about the world that are objectively reasonable and binding on anyone capable to appreciating the relevant evidence, regardless of their social or cultural perspective.
"This is a book that can be read in an afternoon and thought about for a lifetime. His analysis is something of a tour de force: subtle and original enough to attract the attention of professional philosophers but accessible enough to be read by anyone with an interest in the subject. The result is
one of the most readable works in philosophy in recent years."
--Wall Street Journal |
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