The Social Dimensions of Legal Uncertainty: Reconciling Law and Science in the Formative Years of Pragmatism

European Journal of Pragmatism and American Philosophy, Forthcoming

14 Pages Posted: 11 Dec 2013

See all articles by Frederic R. Kellogg

Frederic R. Kellogg

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE); Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; George Washington University

Date Written: December 10, 2013

Abstract

Nineteenth-century references to the syllogism by J.S. Mill and Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. reveal a distinct approach to the logic of inference in the formative years of pragmatism. In the latter may be found an element of the emergence of generals from particulars. Fallibilism in law and science reflects their social dimension as part of the communal ordering of experience. This implies a distinct approach to uncertainty, as experience yet to be integrated within a developing system of classification.

Keywords: Holmes, Peirce, Whewell, Mill, Barnes, Bloor, syllogism, induction, pragmatism, sociology of knowledge

Suggested Citation

Kellogg, Frederic R., The Social Dimensions of Legal Uncertainty: Reconciling Law and Science in the Formative Years of Pragmatism (December 10, 2013). European Journal of Pragmatism and American Philosophy, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2329259

Frederic R. Kellogg (Contact Author)

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) ( email )

Cidade Universitária
Cidade Universitária, Pernambuco 50670-901
Brazil

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco ( email )

2027 Q Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
United States
2022344620 (Phone)

George Washington University ( email )

2121 I Street NW
Washington, DC 20052
United States

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