Changes of Mind

Neil Tennant holds a BA in Mathematics and Philosophy, and a PhD in logic, from the University of Cambridge. His researches in Logic and Philosophy of Science have been supported by the British Academy, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Australian Research Council, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He has held chairs in Philosophy at the University of Stirling and the Australian National University, and visiting professorships or fellowships at Dartmouth College, the University of Michigan, the Pittsburgh Center for Philosophy of Science, The ANU Institute for Advanced Studies, and Churchill College, Cambridge. He is currently Arts & Humanities Distinguished Professor in Philosophy at The Ohio State University.

• 1. Introduction ; PART I: COMPUTATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS ; 2. Computing Changes in Belief ; 3. Global Conditions on Contraction ; 4. A Formal Theory of Contraction ; 5. Specification of a Contraction Algorithm ; 6. A Prolog Program for Contraction ; 7. Results of Running our Program for Contraction ; PART II: LOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ; 8. Core Logic is the Inviolable Core of Logic ; 9. The Finitary Predicament ; 10. Mathematical Justifications are Not Infinitely Various ; PART III: COMPARISONS ; 11. Differences with Other Formal Theories ; 12. Connections with Various Epistemological Accounts

Rich in helpful and elegant diagrams, accurate index and quite extensive bibliography, the monograph guides the reader through the maze of philosophical issues and logical concepts in a clear and efficient way. At places the narrative unexpectedly changes focus from mathematical definitions to philosophical considerations, from in-depth analysis to broad general perspectives. This feature makes the book a challenging and entertaining read.