John McDowell: Experience, Norm, and Nature

Few contemporary philosophers are more influential – or controversial – than John McDowell. His seminal Mind and World is considered one of the most significant works of late twentieth-century philosophy. Among McDowell’s intellectual gifts is his remarkable capacity to combine critical approaches to historical figures such as Aristotle, Kant, Hegel, and Sellars with insightful original contributions to prominent debates in contemporary analytical philosophy. Interpreting and appropriating some of the great philosophers of the past to hone one’s own distinctive philosophical vision, however, can open the door to intense critical reactions.

In a collection of original essays by major figures in contemporary philosophy, John McDowell: Experience, Norm, and Nature, explores some of the central themes in McDowell’s works. One set of contributions examines McDowell’s notions of perceptual experience, normativity or rationality, and nature. Another questions his readings of previous philosophers relating to these issues. Rising to the challenge, McDowell responds point by point to his critics, further elaborating his philosophical viewpoints while providing thought-provoking and penetrating analyses. The result is a lively and stimulating exchange of ideas on the nature of our place in the world. It provides invaluable insights into one of the most significant and original philosophers of our day.