Overview
Provides a philosophical analysis of human knowledge systems
Examines the relationship between science, philosophy, and the arts as forms of inquiry
Studies the role of textuality, traditions and human needs in shaping human inquiry
Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras
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Table of contents (12 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Back Matter
Keywords
About this book
With the emergence of the scientific study of the human mind itself, these critical questions have taken a more intriguing form in recent decades. Can human inquiry investigate its own nature? Can the scientific theory of language explain the richness of human expression? Can a science of the mind account for human experience? These probing questions on the scientific enterprise are usually addressed from the outside, as it were, by humanists and critical theorists. In these essays, they are examined from the inside by a philosopher whose primary academic work concerns the study of the human, linguistic mind. In that sense, the sceptical inquiry turns on itself.
Reviews
“Mukherji’s volume is very rich, bringing together a number of issues in recent/late twentieth century philosophy, without being overwhelming. … Well written, this is an enjoyable book to read, that seeks to bring philosophical debate to a broad audience.” (William Sweet, Sophia, Vol. 59, 2020)
“With remarkable range and depth, these tantalizing essays explore scientific and cultural forms of inquiry, leading concerns of Indian and western philosophy (and indigenous thought as well), the role of the cognitive agent in description and ascription – concepts that are examined in depth -- and other topics that have inspired reflection on the world and ourselves for ages. At each point, there are instructive and challenging new perspectives and insights. A notable achievement, and a welcome gift to the inquiring mind.” (Noam Chomsky, Institute Professor of Linguistics and Philosophy Massachusetts Institute of Technology)“Nirmalnagshu Mukherji's selection of essays in this book are reflections of a fine scholar made over a very worthy career of research and teaching in Philosophy and Linguistics in India for the last many decades. Their range is wide —science, philosophy, literature, linguistics, music, religion, and everyday experience—and they are at once rigorous and accessible. They reflect a deep commitment to scientific objectivity, even as they are wise in their understanding of the limits of science’s reach into the domain of what he calls ‘common life’. They will be a source of much pleasure and instruction and insight to the serious reader.” (Akeel Bilgrami, Johnsonian Professor of Philosophy, Columbia University)
“A collection of essays on classical topics -- knowledge, truth, realism, belief, meaning, interpretation – by a critical and innovative mind with an atypical intellectual profile. Mukherji is nourished by analytic philosophy and theoretical linguistics, but his interests go well beyond narrow academic concerns. His writings reflect the breadth of his aspirations and should appeal to the general public as well as to the experts.” (Francois Recanati, Senior Fellow, CNRS, Paris)
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Nirmalangshu Mukherji is a former Professor of Philosophy at the University of Delhi. He is the National Visiting Professor for Indian Council of Philosophical Research (2015-16). His primary academic interest is the study of language and mind. His publications in this broad area include The Cartesian Mind: Reflections on Language and Music (2000) and The Primacy of Grammar (MIT, 2010). He also co-edited Noam Chomsky’s The Architecture of Language (OUP, 2000). Professor Mukherji is also professionally interested in the nature of human inquiry, including the character of philosophical practice. Some of his work in this area is collected in the present book. He is actively engaged with issues of peace, justice and human rights. Apart from many dozens of articles, he has two books: December 13: Terror over Democracy (Bibliophile South Asia, 2005) and Maoists in India: Tribals under Siege (Pluto 2012, Amaryllis 2013).
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Reflections on Human Inquiry
Book Subtitle: Science, Philosophy, and Common Life
Authors: Nirmalangshu Mukherji
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5364-1
Publisher: Springer Singapore
eBook Packages: Religion and Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2017
Hardcover ISBN: 978-981-10-5363-4Published: 09 November 2017
Softcover ISBN: 978-981-13-5378-9Published: 12 December 2018
eBook ISBN: 978-981-10-5364-1Published: 30 October 2017
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XIII, 203
Topics: Philosophy of Science, Knowledge - Discourse, Cognitive Linguistics