The collection showcases Robert E. Butts' influential writings over 35 years, highlighting his unique integration of philosophy, science, and history. Esteemed by colleagues and students, Butts is recognized for his incisive thinking and responsible scholarship. The essays reflect the close relationship between historical context and philosophical inquiry, emphasizing how science and its philosophy form a cohesive narrative. This volume includes contributions from notable philosophers and historians, celebrating Butts' legacy as a leading figure in the philosophy of science.
Focusing on the interplay between rationality and irrationality, Butts explores scientific rationality as a crucial defense against societal fears and hysteria. His pragmatic realism merges logical empiricism with a historical understanding of pragmatism, emphasizing the importance of scientific methods. Through this lens, he aims to articulate a form of rationality vital for safeguarding human values amidst the threats posed by irrational beliefs and behaviors.
The Fifth International Congress of Logic, Methodology and Philosophy of Science took place at the University of Western Ontario in 1975. Sponsored by notable institutions, it aimed to present diverse scholarly work. The proceedings are published in four volumes, covering topics like logic, mathematics, methodology, and historical dimensions of philosophy of science.
The idea to produce the current volume was conceived by Jiirgen Mittelstrass and Robert E. Butts in 1978. Idealist philosophers are wrong about one the temporal gap separating idea and reality can be very long indeed - even ten or so years! Problems of timing were joined by personal problems and by the pressure of other professional commitments. Fortunately, James Brown agreed to cooperate in the editing of the volume; the infusion of his usual energy, good judgement and good-natured promptness saved the volume and made its produc tion possible. Despite the delays, the messages of the papers included in the book have not gone stale. An extremely worthwhile exercise in international philosophical cooperation has come to fruition; the German constructivist philosophical position is here represented in papers in English that will make its contemporary importance available to a larger audience. The editors owe thanks to many persons. All involved in the project owe much to the interest and support of Nicholas Rescher, a friend of the undertaking from the time of its inception. My review of the translations was helped immensely by Andrea Purvis' careful copy editing of the typescript. Most of all, however, we owe gratitude and admiration for the tireless efforts on behalf of this enterprise to Jiirgen Mittelstrass.
