To Epistemology of Communication: Strength and Weakness of Analytical Optimism

Abstract

In the analytical philosophy of language the principle of charity (a principle of rational accommodation, a principle of humanity) is broadly discussed as a prerequisite of understanding and communication (W. Quine, D. Davidson). It represents a kind of epistemic trust in the common abilities of the knowing agent and common cognitive situation (J. Reid). In contrast to this, the skeptical tradition rooted in Descartes puts an accent on the critical doubt as a main epistemological tool (D. Hume). The clash between the epistemological optimism (realism) and skepticism (relativism) generates a signifi cant problem situation for those who endorses “factobjectivism” and rejects the social-epistemological vision of the cognitive agent. The richer picture of the cognitive process requires the shift from classical to non-classical realism.