Experimental Philosophy - An Introduction

Experimental philosophy uses experimental research methods from psychology and cognitive science in order to investigate both philosophical and metaphilosophical questions. It explores philosophical questions about the nature of the psychological world - the very structure or meaning of our concepts of things, and about the nature of the non-psychological world - the things themselves. It also explores metaphilosophical questions about the nature of philosophical inquiry and its proper methodology.


This book provides a detailed and provocative introduction to this innovative field, focusing on the relationship between experimental philosophy and the aims and methods of more traditional analytic philosophy. Special attention is paid to carefully examining experimental philosophy's quite different philosophical programs, their individual strengths and weaknesses, and the different kinds of contributions that they can make to our philosophical understanding. Clear and accessible throughout, it situates experimental philosophy within both a contemporary and historical context, explains its aims and methods, examines and critically evaluates its most significant claims and arguments, and engages with its critics.

* An accessible introduction to an innovative and exciting new field emerging at the intersection of philosophy and cognitive science
* This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field, situating experimental philosophy in relation to the established analytic tradition
* Provides a clear evaluative guide to the often conflicting research programs which make up this fast-moving field
* Critically examines the core concepts and methods of experimental philosophy, in a lucid and concise manner suited to students

Joshua Alexander is assistant professor of philosophy at Siena College. He has published in a range of leading journals including Philosophy of Science and Philosophy and Phenomenological Research.