Autor: Steven French

Abstract:

In Science and Partial Truth (da Costa and French 2003) it was argued that inconsistencies in scientific reasoning may be accommodated by the combination of partial structures and quasi-truth, together with a notion of ‘representational belief’. In this paper I shall examine whether this framework can be extended to the reasonings and beliefs of other cultures, focusing in particular on the witchcraft beliefs of Azande. I shall argue that these beliefs are akin to the theoretical beliefs of Western science but that the most appropriate way of representing the latter — and hence also the former — is via the framework of partial structures and quasi-truth. In this way I hope to steer a plausible path between ‘imperialist’ and ‘relativist’ approaches.

ISSN: 1414-4217

DOI: DOI: 10.5007/1808-1711.2011v15n1p77

Texto Completo: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/principia/article/view/1808-1711.2011v15n1p77/20555

Palavras-Chave: Partial structure; quasi-truth; representatio