Paul Gochet Boeken

The philosophical significance of propositions has been a focal point of inquiry since the early 20th century, with thinkers like Russell and Ducasse emphasizing their foundational role in knowledge theory. The debate centers on whether propositions are the primary carriers of truth and falsity, a question that remains pertinent in contemporary philosophy of language. The evolution of logical analysis, particularly through the contributions of Russell and Whitehead, has fueled ongoing discussions about the epistemological status of propositions, making it a vital topic in philosophical discourse.

W. van Orman Quine is a prominent American philosopher whose work has been largely overlooked by continental European philosophers. This book provides a systematic and critical examination of Quine’s philosophy, focusing on the enduring value of his contributions. Each major thesis is rigorously analyzed from both internal and external perspectives. Quine’s evolving positions, shaped by external critiques and internal challenges, are thoroughly described and assessed. His rejection of the analytic-synthetic dichotomy is explored through the lens of non-monotonic logic, while various interpretations of his holism are synthesized and evaluated. The book counters Dummett’s claim that holism contradicts empiricism. However, it argues that the thesis of indeterminacy of translation becomes less tenable when considering learnability constraints. Quine’s redefinition of logical truth based on grammatical structure is supported, and apparent conflicts between his earlier and later ontological views are reconciled. The text explores whether Quine can uphold a relativist ontology while maintaining a non-relativist truth theory, ultimately defending the former but suggesting he struggles with the latter. Additionally, Quine’s critiques of modal logic have inspired several research initiatives, with Paul Gochet discussing their interconnections and demonstrating that Quine’s objections can be addressed without resorting to essentialism. T