Millikan and Her Critics - (Philosophers and Their Critics) by Dan Ryder & Justine Kingsbury & Kenneth Williford (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Millikan and Her Critics offers a unique critical discussion of Ruth Millikan's highly regarded, influential, and systematic contributions to philosophy of mind and language, philosophy of biology, epistemology, and metaphysics. These newly written contributions present discussion from some of the most important philosophers in the field today and include replies from Millikan herself.

• Comprises 13 new essays that critically examine the highly regarded and influential work of Ruth Millikan
• Covers a wide range of Millikan's most important work, from philosophy of mind and language to philosophy of biology
• Features contributions by some of the most important and influential philosophers working today
• Includes original replies to critics by Millikan

From the Back Cover

Among the list of philosophers who have made the most significant contributions to the articulation and development of the naturalistic program in the theory of mind and language are Jerry Fodor, Fred Dretske, Daniel Dennett, Patricia and Paul Churchland, and Ruth Millikan. With her unwavering focus on the proper functions of our cognitive and linguistic mechanisms as a unifying thread, Millikan's body of work is especially noteworthy for its scope, coherence, and striking originality. Along with her meticulously worked-out theory of mind and language, Millikan has made important contributions to philosophy of biology, epistemology, and metaphysics.

Millikan and Her Critics presents a collection of original essays by leading philosophers that closely examine various theories put forward by Ruth Millikan--along with Millikan's own responses to each critique. This thought-provoking series of readings sheds important new light on the views of a contemporary philosopher who has made significant contributions to our understanding of the nature of mind and language.

Review Quotes

"Anyone interested in Ruth Millikan's work should warmly welcome the publication of this engaging and thought-provoking book . . . Indeed, perhaps the most important common idea shared by all essays is that, after so many years, Millikan's views are still alive because they are extremely useful tools for thinking and addressing philosophical problems." (Mind, 1 April 2015)

"Millikan will be one of our most enduring contemporary philosophers. This book offers an invaluable perspective on critical alternatives to her theories, and in the process not only clarifies her place in many contemporary debates, but also clarifies some of the more challenging aspects of her work." (Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, 24 October 2013)

"There is a nice balance between sympathetic and skeptical commentators; and the discussion is constructive and illuminating throughout. The editors have provided an excellent introduction, which offers a lucid and elegant summary of Millikan's views, as well as highlighting the main points of discussion in the book. Moreover, Millikan's replies are extremely helpful in clarifying some of the stickier points in her earlier writings.... Taken together, the essays collected here offer an intensive and illuminating exploration of Millikan's views. The result is an excellent addition to the literature on metaphysics and on the philosophy of mind and language." (Biology and Philosophy, 28 January 2014)

About the Author

Dan Ryder is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, and publishes primarily in philosophy of mind and theoretical neuroscience.

Justine Kingsbury is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. She works in philosophy of mind, philosophy of biology, aesthetics, and informal logic.

Kenneth Williford is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at The University of Texas at Arlington. He works in philosophy of mind, modern philosophy, and phenomenology.