The Philosophy of Roderick Chisholm – Epistemology, Metaphysics, and the Foundations of Knowledge | The Library of Living Philosophers | Volume XXV, 1997 | Review, Analysis & Summary

The Philosophy of Roderick Chisholm, edited by Lewis Edwin Hahn, serves as Volume XXV in the distinguished Library of Living Philosophers series, published in 1997. This edition pays tribute to Roderick M. Chisholm (1916–1999), who stood out as a significant contributor to American analytic philosophy in the 20th century.
Chisholm was recognized for his unwavering clarity, philosophical accuracy, and dedication to fundamental inquiries, leaving a profound impact on epistemology, metaphysics, philosophical logic, and perception theory. He was firmly devoted to the idea that philosophy should be an independent discipline, constantly pursuing certainty concerning knowledge, identity, and justification.
This collection comprises Chisholm's philosophical autobiography, selected writings, insightful critiques from noted philosophers, along with Chisholm's comprehensive responses, making it a crucial reference for anyone delving into modern epistemology and metaphysics.

Who Was Roderick Chisholm?

Roderick Chisholm emerged as an esteemed American philosopher, particularly recognized for his insights into:

• Epistemic justification and knowledge structure
• Intentionality within the philosophy of mind
• Personal identity, metaphysical individuation, and ontology
• The resurgence of internalist epistemology and foundationalism

Throughout most of his career at Brown University, he influenced numerous budding philosophers while engaging in a philosophy characterized by analytical rigor and conceptual clarity.
Some of his prominent works include:

• Perceiving: A Philosophical Study (1957)
• Theory of Knowledge (1966; various editions)
• Person and Object (1976)
• The Foundations of Knowing (1982)

Contents of the Volume

In keeping with the format of Library of Living Philosophers volumes, this book is divided into four sections:

1. Philosophical Autobiography

Chisholm provides insights into his intellectual evolution, reflecting on his experiences during WWII, early inspirations from Brentano and Aquinas, and his philosophical dedication to realism, internalism, and rigorous epistemology. He also discusses his teaching experiences, philosophical methodologies, and interactions with contemporaneous philosophers.

2. Selected Writings by Chisholm

These curated works highlight his most meaningful contributions:

• Epistemic principles and the standards for justified belief
• Self-presenting states alongside the internal access framework of knowledge
• Ontology encompassing individuals and properties
• The criterion problem – identifying dependable sources of knowledge
• Explorations of free will, agent causation, and personal identity

These writings demonstrate Chisholm’s careful reasoning approach and his advocacy for enduring philosophical questions within a contemporary analytical framework.

3. Critical Essays by Contemporary Philosophers

This portion showcases essays from influential philosophers critically engaging with Chisholm’s ideas:
Ernest Sosa, Alvin Plantinga, William P. Alston, Laurence BonJour, Jaegwon Kim, Peter van Inwagen, among others
The topics encompass:

• Internalism versus externalism in epistemology
• Chisholm’s stances on perception, memory, and belief
• Skepticism challenges
• Issues in ontology and metaphysical dedication
• Chisholm’s notion of intentionality and mental representation

4. Chisholm’s Replies to Critics

Chisholm provides thoughtful and extensive responses, defending his perspective on epistemic internalism while addressing the essence of evidence and justification, in addition to clarifying his metaphysical and ontological beliefs. His replies are indicative of a philosopher committed to dialogue, accuracy, and philosophical advancement.

Key Themes in Chisholm’s Philosophy

1. Internalist Epistemology

Chisholm posited that justification is reliant on aspects intrinsic to a thinker’s viewpoint, particularly on what they are directly conscious of. He advocated for self-presenting states, such as sensations or beliefs, as the cornerstone of justified knowledge.

2. The Problem of the Criterion

He revisited this fundamental issue in epistemology: Do we establish what we know through defined criteria for knowledge, or do we arrive at these criteria based on our existing knowledge? Chisholm was wary of the pitfalls of circular reasoning and skeptical regress.

3. Ontological Commitment

Chisholm highlighted the importance of ontological simplicity, advocating for a detailed examination of which entities we are compelled to believe exist. He employed formal instruments and rigorous logic to break down metaphysical frameworks and champion a realist stance.

4. Agent Causation and Free Will

In contrast to deterministic or event-causal theories, Chisholm defended the concept of agent causation: individuals, rather than events, are the genuine origins of free actions—a daring viewpoint in line with metaphysical libertarianism.

5. Intentionality and Mind

He reinvigorated Brentano’s notion of intentionality—the belief that mental states are always directed toward something. Chisholm rigorously utilized this idea to scrutinize belief, desire, and knowledge.

Why This Volume Matters

The Philosophy of Roderick Chisholm is crucial for:

• Students delving into analytic epistemology and metaphysics
• Researchers exploring internalism, foundationalism, and justification
• Philosophers intrigued by realism, identity, and intentionality
• Anyone in pursuit of clear and logically sound evaluations of classic philosophical dilemmas

Chisholm's contributions connect traditional philosophical discussions with the rigor of contemporary analysis, establishing this volume as a valuable intellectual resource.