Winch and instrumental pluralism

Article Abstract:

Peter Winch, like Ludwig Wittgenstein, rejects the instrumentalist interpretation of magic and religion in favor of an expressivist interpretation. Their argument is based on instrumentalist monism, the notion that there is only one valid form of instrumental rationality. However, Winch's analysis is also consistent with instrumental pluralism, though he does not seem to have accepted it himself. According to instrumental pluralism, societies may develop different criteria for instrumental rationality, and therefore traditional religion and magic could be interpreted as rational, instrumental practices.

Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Religion, Pluralism, Instrumentalism (Philosophy), Wittgenstein, Ludwig, Winch, Peter

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Winch and instrumental pluralism: a response to my critics

Article Abstract:

Analysis of magic and other metaphysical practices could be used for studying different cultures. However, critics of this approach contend that magic should not be considered as a sociological tool since it defies practical logic. Advocates, on the other hand, believe that as long as a particular tool is being used, it can be examined from a sociological standpoint. Whether or not that tool would be deemed useful by the sociologist's own culture, is irrelevant.

Social aspects, Methods, Sociology, Sociological methods, Parapsychology

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Winch and instrumental pluralism: a reply to B.D. Lerner

Article Abstract:

The human reasoning process should be analyzed within the context of the actual thinking process. This is in opposition to Berel Dov Lerner's argument that the origins of contradictory systems of reasoning can be justified on their own terms, without having to rely upon an epistemologically acceptable instrumental pluralism. Due to cognitive limitations, humans are driven to construct alternative epistemologies by which to view and understand the world.

Criticism and interpretation, Philosophers, Reasoning, Lerner, Berel Dov

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