Ideas, Concepts, and Reality by John W Burbidge
Do concepts exist independently of the mind? Where does objective reality diverge from subjective experience? John Burbidge calls upon the work of some of the foremost thinkers in philosophy to address these questions, developing a nuanced account of the relationship between the mind and the external world. In Ideas, Concepts, and Reality John Burbidge adopts, as a starting point, Gottlob Frege's distinction between ideas, which are subjective recollections of past sensations, and concepts, which are shared by many and make communication possible. Engaging with Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, and many others, the book argues that concepts are not eternal and unchanging, as Frege suggested, but open to revision. We can move from ideas to thoughts, Burbidge suggests, that can be refined to the point where they acquire independent and objective status as concepts. At the same time, they are radically connected to other concepts which either complement or are differentiated from them. Ideas, Concepts, and Reality offers a fresh perspective on the ways in which rigorous thought differs from other operations of the mind. Daringly inventive and accessibly written, the book will appeal to philosophers at all levels of interest.
"This book, a compelling interpretation of the nature of knowledge and of how meaning is established in personal and social life, reflects the maturity and insight of Burbidge's lifelong researchPowerful, engaging, and relevant, it is useful both as a scholarly work and as a teaching text." John Russon, Department of Philosophy, University of Guelph
John W. Burbidge is professor emeritus in philosophy at Trent University.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780773541658 |
| ISBN 10 | 0773541659 |
| Title | Ideas, Concepts, and Reality |
| Author | John W Burbidge |
| Series | Mcgill-Queen’s Studies In The Hist Of Id |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | McGill-Queen's University Press |
| Year published | 2013-03-26 |
| Number of pages | 194 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |