From motivation to knowledge

Willard Van Quine is one of the most prominent philosophers of the twentieth century. He issued a deep and rich book that summarizes his entire philosophical project, including his view of all the fundamental components of his epistemological stance; especially regarding the value of logic and mathematics. Readers who are encountering Quine for the first time through this book may need to read it slowly and carefully, and try to see for themselves that richness and depth known to previous readers and hidden between the lines of this fascinating book. The origin of this small-sized book is lectures given by Quine in Spain in 1990, in which he began to place his contributions in their historical context. The book offers a quick tour of the history of philosophy (especially the history of epistemology), starting from Plato, then reaching the peak of his knowledge in outlining an estimate of Carnap’s philosophical goals and achievements. This leads us to the second chapter, which is an introduction to Quine’s attempt to normalize epistemology, confirming his path following Carnap and focusing on what they have in common instead of their differences. The following chapters develop the naturalistic narrative of the development of science, taking into account how much our conceptual tools have improved so that we can see the world as containing things that can be redefined. Then, after clarifying the role of observational sentences in providing the necessary checkpoints to evaluate scientific theories, and after despairing of building an empirical standard to determine meaningful sentences, Quine addresses in the remaining chapters a variety of important issues about knowledge, concluding with an extensive treatment of his views on reference, meaning, and his positions regarding psychological and intermediary concepts. This book is extremely remarkable, with many insightful notes, details, and formulations that will amaze anyone familiar with Quine’s philosophy. Elegant and concise, this book offers a glimpse into the worldview adopted by a person whom many consider the greatest philosopher to have lived until the twentieth century... For beginners, this small wonderful book provides a short, gem-studded path to the viewpoints of a great thinker, and it is equally for seasoned readers, who will welcome it warmly and happily. - R. M. Sinsbury, The Times Literary Supplement. This book shows us why philosophy is a wonderful project and will remain shining forever. In this book, we find research, questioning, guessing, analysis, and discovery. And if you get the chance, you should engage in a conversation and debate intelligently, boldly, and bravely with a top-tier philosopher exploring the human condition through logic and language. - John Shusky, Free Inquiry. In the context of this book, Quine clarifies his stance on many topics he previously addressed less thoroughly; observational sentences, semantic reference, the concept of coherence and unity, truth, meaning, translation, interpretation, semantic ascent, and quotation. This book will not fail to generate genuine and continuous excitement in the reader. - Max De Jensford, Radical Philosophy.