Methodological Cognitivism: Vol. 2: Cognition, Science, and Innovation

by Riccardo Viale

This book covers a broad spectrum of topics, from experimental philosophy and cognitive theory of science, to social epistemology and research and innovation policy. Following up on the previously published Volume 1, “Mind, Rationality, and Society,” it provides further applications of methodological cognitivism in areas such as scientific discovery, technology transfer and innovation policy. It also analyzes the impact of cognitive science on philosophical problems like causality and truth. The book is divided into four Part I “Experimental Philosophy and Causality” tackles the problem of causality, which is often seen as straddling metaphysics, ontology and epistemology. Part II “Cognitive Rationality of Science” deals with the cognitive foundation of scientific rationality, starting from a strong critique of the neopositivist rationality of science on the one hand and of the relativist and social reduction of the methodology of science on the other. Part III “Research Policy and Social Epistemology” deals with topics of social epistemology, science policy and culture of innovation. Lastly, Part IV “Knowledge Transfer and Innovation” addresses the dynamics of knowledge generation, transfer and use in technological innovation.

470 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2013