Value Reasoning On the Pragmatic Rationality of Evaluation
This book is a survey of key issues in the theory of evaluation aimed at exhibiting and clarifying the rational nature of the thought-procedures involved. By means of theoretical analysis and explanatory case studies, this volume shows how evaluation is—o
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Nicholas Rescher
Value Reasoning On the Pragmatic Rationality of Evaluation
Nicholas Rescher Department of Philosophy University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
ISBN 978-3-319-54138-9 DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-54139-6
ISBN 978-3-319-54139-6 (eBook)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2017935952 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2017 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Cover image © Bitboxx.com Printed on acid-free paper This Palgrave Macmillan imprint is published by Springer Nature The registered company is Springer International Publishing AG The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland
Dale Jacquette In memoriam
PREFACE
Evaluation is an indispensable human project, and it will be the aim of this book to argue that it should by rights be an objective and rational endeavor. There is a cogency to rational evaluation that makes a mockery of the idea that values merely “lie in the eyes of the beholder.” The book has two parts. The first part argues its key regarding the objectivity and rational cogency of evaluation on grounds of general principle. The second part seeks to substantiate this position by means of five case studies that afford illustrative examples, addressing the rational assessment of cognitive importance, scientific credit, action appropriateness, assertive tenacity, and evaluative excellence. Overall the book stresses the rational and objective nature of evaluation, setting out the case for holding that evaluation is—or ideally ought to be—a matter of rational and objective deliberation. Evaluation, after all, can be cone with greater or lesser cogency and calls for suitable criteria and reliable standards. It is thus a principal thesis of the book that valuation is an inherent part of the life of reason. For such a perspective to make sense it must
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