Feyerabend, mill, and pluralism

Philosophy of Science 64 (4):407 (1997)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

I suggest following Paul Feyerabend's own advice, and interpreting Feyerabend's work in light of the principles laid out by John Stuart Mill. A review of Mill's essay, On Liberty, emphasizes the importance Mill placed on open and critical discussion for the vitality and progress of various aspects of human life, including the pursuit of scientific knowledge. Many of Feyerabend's more unusual stances, I suggest, are best interpreted as attempts to play certain roles--especially the role of "defender of unpopular minority opinion"--that are necessary to fulfilling Mill's conditions for rational exchange and optimal human development

Author's Profile

Elisabeth Lloyd
Indiana University, Bloomington

Analytics

Added to PP
2009-01-28

Downloads
1,089 (#15,177)

6 months
131 (#34,450)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?