Isaac Levi Livres

Isaac Levi's new book is concerned with how one can justify changing one's beliefs. The discussion is deeply informed by the belief-doubt model advocated by C. S. Peirce and John Dewey, of which the book provides a substantial analysis. Professor Levi then addresses the conceptual framework of potential changes available to an inquirer. A structural approach to propositional attitudes is proposed which rejects the conventional view that a propositional attitude involves a relation between an agent and either a linguistic entity or some other intentional object such as a proposition or set of possible worlds. The last two chapters offer an account of change in states of full belief understood as changes in commitments rather than changes in performance; one chapter deals with adding new information to a belief state, the other with giving up information. The book builds upon topics discussed in some of Levi's earlier work. It will be of particular interest to discussion theorists, epistemologists, philosophers of science, computer scientists, and cognitive psychologists.

Focusing on the nuances of suppositional reasoning, this work explores its implications for practical deliberation, explanation, prediction, and hypothesis testing. It highlights how conflicts between suppositions and beliefs can lead to the rejection of certain beliefs while retaining others. The author examines two types of nonmonotonic logic—belief contravention and ampliative reasoning—uncovering significant differences that have previously been overlooked. This detailed analysis offers fresh insights into the complexities of reasoning processes.

The book delves into the ramifications of ignoring assumptions in decision-making, particularly in the face of unresolved conflicts. Professor Levi examines value conflicts across various fields, including moral dilemmas, scientific inference, uncertain decision-making, and social choice, offering a comprehensive framework for navigating these challenges.

The book is a facsimile reprint that may include imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia, and flawed pages. These elements can add a unique character to the text, reflecting its history and previous readers' interactions.