Precariousness and the Situated Space of Reasons
Publication Name
McDowell and the Hermeneutic Tradition
Abstract
This chapter argues, following recent work in embodied cognition, that many of the elements of the space of reasons are implicitly embodied and situated, and that for a true understanding of rationality, we should make this explicit. This is something that enactive approaches do in emphasizing the precariousness of the living situation, which is contingent on embodiment, affectivity, and uncertainty. The chapter makes clear the relation between this enactive thought and the form of hermeneutics that is operative in Gadamer’s philosophy, and that finds its way into McDowell’s conceptual space, by way of the environment-world distinction. To make this case, Sellars, Merleau-Ponty, and J. L. Austin are brought into dialogue with McDowell concerning the role of speech/language.
Open Access Status
This publication is not available as open access
First Page
58
Last Page
75