There is a sense in which all knowledge is conjectural. The Standard Model of particle physics is conjectural in some sense. But what I’m saying about Deutsch’s epistemology and philosophy of science — and especially his philosophy of mind and overall theory of progress — is much stronger than that. I have tried to search in the past for any academic philosophers who have seriously discussed The Beginning of Infinity. I haven’t found much so far.
I’m impressed with the book, but in philosophy, it’s always possible to be impressed with arguments and then not to notice important shortcomings until someone points them out. I would love to see The Beginning of Infinity get more scrutiny from academic philosophers and possibly other experts as well, like scientists and historians of science.
Right, exactly. Even seemingly self evident mathematical claims are not exempt from this. We can never rule out the possibility of error, so epistemological certainty is unattainable. People can feel certain, but whenever they do, they are mistaken about the status of that feeling.
This is often confused with relativism. We say true things all the time. “2 + 2 = 4” is true, yet there is no final and infallible way to confirm it. Nothing is immune to criticism.
The Beginning of Infinity is my favorite book. I have been active in the critical rationalist circles that have formed around David Deutsch’s work. If you want pointers, I know quite a few people in that community. If you are looking for sharp criticisms of Deutsch, asking his admirers may not be ideal. Even though we fully accept that Deutsch is fallible like anyone else, most of us agree with him on the major points.
It is good that you want to find strong criticisms of his ideas. I hope you succeed. To be frank, I have yet to encounter substantial critiques of The Beginning of Infinity, though I am sure there are errors in it.
My friend Logan founded the Conjecture Institute this year. It might interest you:
I am specifically interested in commentaries on The Beginning of Infinity from professional academic philosophers, as well as, to a lesser extent, commentaries from scientists or people with other relevant expertise, such as historians of science. I haven’t found much written by philosophers about the book or about Deutsch’s ideas in general.
The work of “fans” or “followers” is much less interesting to me because I get why Deutsch’s ideas are appealing and would inspire a zealous following, but this is not a critical appraisal.
Hi, I’ve been an independent, non-academic philosopher for over 20 years. I was mentored by David Deutsch for a decade and I helped him with The Beginning of Infinity. I’m no longer a fan of Deutsch and I have commentary, much of it critical, on Deutsch’s work:
Great response! Thank you!
There is a sense in which all knowledge is conjectural. The Standard Model of particle physics is conjectural in some sense. But what I’m saying about Deutsch’s epistemology and philosophy of science — and especially his philosophy of mind and overall theory of progress — is much stronger than that. I have tried to search in the past for any academic philosophers who have seriously discussed The Beginning of Infinity. I haven’t found much so far.
I’m impressed with the book, but in philosophy, it’s always possible to be impressed with arguments and then not to notice important shortcomings until someone points them out. I would love to see The Beginning of Infinity get more scrutiny from academic philosophers and possibly other experts as well, like scientists and historians of science.
Right, exactly. Even seemingly self evident mathematical claims are not exempt from this. We can never rule out the possibility of error, so epistemological certainty is unattainable. People can feel certain, but whenever they do, they are mistaken about the status of that feeling.
This is often confused with relativism. We say true things all the time. “2 + 2 = 4” is true, yet there is no final and infallible way to confirm it. Nothing is immune to criticism.
The Beginning of Infinity is my favorite book. I have been active in the critical rationalist circles that have formed around David Deutsch’s work. If you want pointers, I know quite a few people in that community. If you are looking for sharp criticisms of Deutsch, asking his admirers may not be ideal. Even though we fully accept that Deutsch is fallible like anyone else, most of us agree with him on the major points.
It is good that you want to find strong criticisms of his ideas. I hope you succeed. To be frank, I have yet to encounter substantial critiques of The Beginning of Infinity, though I am sure there are errors in it.
My friend Logan founded the Conjecture Institute this year. It might interest you:
https://www.conjectureinstitute.org/
I am specifically interested in commentaries on The Beginning of Infinity from professional academic philosophers, as well as, to a lesser extent, commentaries from scientists or people with other relevant expertise, such as historians of science. I haven’t found much written by philosophers about the book or about Deutsch’s ideas in general.
The work of “fans” or “followers” is much less interesting to me because I get why Deutsch’s ideas are appealing and would inspire a zealous following, but this is not a critical appraisal.
Hi, I’ve been an independent, non-academic philosopher for over 20 years. I was mentored by David Deutsch for a decade and I helped him with The Beginning of Infinity. I’m no longer a fan of Deutsch and I have commentary, much of it critical, on Deutsch’s work:
Fundamental Philosophical Errors in Taking Children Seriously
The Historicism of David Deutsch
Analysis of David Deutsch’s The Final Prejudice
David Deutsch Smears Ayn Rand
Deutsch Misquoted Turing
Misquotes by David Deutsch
You can contact me at curi@curi.us if you want to discuss further.