Stances and Epistemology: Values, Pragmatics, and Rationality. (24th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boucher, Sandy
• Is Part Of: Metaphilosophy. Volume 49:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 521
• Page End: 547
• Publication Date: 2018-07-24
• Subjects: epistemology -- rationality -- stances -- values -- van Fraassen -- voluntarism; Philosophy -- Periodicals; 105
• DOI: 10.1111/meta.12317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0026-1068

Abstract

Abstract: Bas van Fraassen has argued that many philosophical positions should be understood as stances rather than factual beliefs. This paper discusses the vexed question of whether and how such stances can be rationally justified. It argues that stances may be justified pragmatically, in terms of both their epistemic fruits and their coherence with our values, both epistemic and non‐epistemic. It also examines van Fraassen's version of epistemological voluntarism, which has received considerable attention of late, and shows that it provides a theoretical framework, and approach to epistemology, within which the pragmatic and value‐based forms of justification appropriate to stance choice find a natural home.