Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Series | Book | Chapter

231642

Evolutionary epistemology and pragmatism

Lee F. Werth

pp. 79-87

Abstract

It does not seem inappropriate to apply Darwin's concept of natural selection to our beliefs. Yet it would be wrong to infer that all those beliefs which have promoted habits of action congenial to survival are for that reason to be regarded as true. The "happy" stress-reducing lie is sometimes preferable to truth. Survival results from many natural adaptations; the bird that runs and kicks cannot fly. Natural selection allows our biologically evolved brains to be associated with thinking that is sometimes less than rational.

Publication details

Published in:

Debrock Guy, Hulswit Menno (1994) Living doubt: essays concerning the epistemology of Charles Sanders Peirce. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 79-87

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-015-8252-0_8

Full citation:

Werth Lee F. (1994) „Evolutionary epistemology and pragmatism“, In: G. Debrock & M. Hulswit (eds.), Living doubt, Dordrecht, Springer, 79–87.