Kirjahaku

Robert John Ackermann deals decisively with the problem of relativism that has plagued post-empiricist philosophy of science. Recognizing that theory and data are mediated by data domains (bordered data sets produced by scientific instruments), he argues that the use of instruments breaks the dependency of observation on theory and thus creates a reasoned basis for scientific objectivity. Originally published in 1985. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Robert John Ackermann deals decisively with the problem of relativism that has plagued post-empiricist philosophy of science. Recognizing that theory and data are mediated by data domains (bordered data sets produced by scientific instruments), he argues that the use of instruments breaks the dependency of observation on theory and thus creates a reasoned basis for scientific objectivity. Originally published in 1985. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

In this work a known philosopher offers an analysis of the hidden assumptions that lie at the heart of contemporary social ideology. Robert John Ackermann argues that all social life is intrinsically heterogeneous and that such homogeneous constructs as race, gender, class, nation and state are necessarily artificial. In the course of his inquiry, he discusses what we mean when we invoke these terms and explores the intellectual implications and concrete consequences of their everyday use. Although Ackermann's approach is philosophical, his arguments are grounded in his personal experience - from encounters with the subtle workings of racism and sexism to active participation in local government. He urges his readers to draw on their own experiences to test the validity of his conclusions. In his view, only by breaking down the traditional distinction between private perception and public authority, ""subjective"" and ""objective"" knowledge, can the insights of philosophy prove useful in promoting meaningful social change. In a final chapter, Ackermann stresses the need to combine social theory with political practice. Against the advocates of universal rationalism on the one hand, and the champions of multiculturalism on the other, he makes the case for a genuinely democratic politics of inclusion.