Analytic Versus Continental: Arguments on the Methods and Value of Philosophy

Throughout much of the twentieth century, the relationship between analytic and continental philosophy has been one of disinterest, caution or hostility. Recent debates in philosophy have highlighted some of the similarities between the two approaches and even envisaged a post-continental and post-analytic philosophy. Opening with a history of key encounters between philosophers of opposing camps since the late nineteenth century - from Frege and Husserl to Derrida and Searle - the book goes on to explore in detail the main methodological differences between the two approaches. This covers a very wide range of topics, from issues of style and clarity of exposition to formal methods arising from logic and probability theory. The final section of this book presents a balanced critique of the two schools' approaches to key issues such as time, truth, subjectivity, mind and body, language and meaning, and ethics. "Analytic versus Continental" is the first sustained analysis of both approaches to philosophy, examining the limits and possibilities of each. It provides a clear overview of a much-disputed history and, in highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both traditions, also offers future directions for both continental and analytic philosophy.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Part I: Formative Encounters: A Short History of the "Divide" 1. Frege and Husserl 2. Russell versus Bergson 3. Carnap versus Heidegger 4. Horkheimer and the Frankfurt School versus Logical Positivism 5. Popper versus Freud, Marx and Adorno (The "Positivist" Dispute) 6. Royaumont: Ryle and Hare versus French and German Philosophy 7. Searle versus Derrida and Beyond Part II: Method 8. Introduction to Philosophical Method 9. The Uses and Abuses of Thought Experiments 10. Reflective Equilibrium: Common Sense or Conservatism? 11. The Fate of Transcendental Reasoning 12. Phenomenological Method: Returning to the "Things Themselves" 13. Hermeneutics, Genealogy and Deconstruction 14. Style and Clarity 15. Philosophy, Science and Art Part III: Interpretation of Key Topics 16. Ontology and Metaphysics 17. Truth, Objectivity and Realism 18. Time: A Contretemps? 19. Mind, Body and Representationalism 20. Ethics and Politics: Theoretical and Anti-theoretical Approaches 21. Problem(s) of Other Minds: Solutions and Dissolutions Conclusion Bibliography Index

About the Author :
James Chase is Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Tasmania, Australia. Jack Reynolds is Associate Professor in Philosophy at La Trobe University, Australia.

Review :
"This book takes the reader on an impressively informed and well-argued trip through the personalities, the methodologies, and the ways of thinking and writing, that divide analytic from continental philosophers. Anyone who seeks to understand why adherents of the two traditions so often misunderstand each other, not always in friendly ways, should read this book." - Frank Jackson, Princeton University "This is the most comprehensive and balanced account of the analytic and continental divide. It combines a detailed account of its historical roots with a bipartisan yet acute analysis of its current state." - James Williams, University of Dundee "This book gives a superb overview of the full range of discussions, arguments, positions and main figures in continental and analytic philosophy, and it provides invaluable insight into the myriad methodological, topical and doctrinal differences between the two traditions. Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the divide that has shaped philosophy for the past century." - SA ren Overgaard, University of Copenhagen "This book succeeds where others fail: it engages and informs both analytic and continental philosophers and so encourages a rapprochement that may well revitalize the broader discipline. Most highly recommended." - C. G. Prado, Queen's University, Canada