The Decline of Analytic Philosophy and Its Greatest Achievements

Introduction

During the mid-twentieth century, analytic philosophy held a dominant position in the philosophical community, characterized by its focus on clarity, logic, and the demarcation of knowledge through the analytic/synthetic distinction. However, the landscape of philosophy began to shift in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to the decline and transformation of analytic philosophy. This transformation was driven by challenges to its foundational assumptions and the introduction of a more "naturalized" approach to philosophical inquiry.

The Rise and Fall of Analytic Philosophy

Analytic philosophy gained prominence through its systematic and rigorous method of analysis, rooted in the distinction between analytic and synthetic truths. Analytic truths are known a priori, relying on the meanings of terms rather than empirical evidence, whereas synthetic truths depend on experience. This made philosophy a distinct discipline with a clear methodology and research program.

However, the tide turned with influential thinkers like W.V.O. Quine, who challenged the analytic/synthetic distinction. Quine argued that there is no clear distinction between analytic and synthetic truths and that all knowledge must be tested against empirical evidence. This critique undermined the foundational premise upon which analytic philosophy rested, signaling a decline in its traditional dominance.

The Emergence of Naturalized Philosophy

The decline of analytic philosophy marked the rise of a more "naturalized" approach to philosophy, where the realms of science and philosophy began to integrate more closely. This shift reflects a broader trend in academic thought towards interdisciplinary collaboration and a rejection of previously held methodological boundaries.

Ruth Garrett Millikan and Teleosematicism: Ruth Garrett Millikan is a prominent figure in this trend. Her work, particularly the teleosematic theory of language and intentionality, exemplifies the naturalized approach. Teleosematism integrates evolutionary biology and social function concepts to explain the meaning and intent of language, challenging traditional analytic philosophy's reliance on conceptual analysis and a priori foundations.

Fred Dretske and the Philosophy of Mind: Another key proponent of this movement is Fred Dretske, best known for his contributions to the philosophy of mind. Dretske's work employs empirical and scientific methods to explore mental states and their relations to behavior, further displacing the core analytic methods and assumptions.

Concluding Thoughts

The decline of analytic philosophy and its transition towards a more naturalized approach marked a significant shift in philosophical discourse. This shift reflects a broader intellectual trend towards integration and interdisciplinarity, altering the philosophical landscape in profound ways.

References

Quine, W. V. O. (1951). "Two Dogmas of Empiricism." The Philosophical Review, 60(1), 20–43.

Millikan, R. G. (1987). Primordial Meaning: A Biological Theory of Language. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Dretske, F. (1981). Knowledge and the Flow of Information. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.