Thoughts on a Possible Rational Reconstruction of the Method of Essay

Thoughts on a Possible Rational Reconstruction of the Method of Rational ReconstructionABSTRACT Rational reconstructions standardly unravel so as to transform a given problematic philosophical scientific account-particularly of a terminological, methodological or theoretical entity-into a similar, but to a greater extent precise, consistent interpretation. This method occupies a central position in the practice of analytic philosophy. Nevertheless, we encounter-even if only in a very few specific publications-a dark image of it. This is due on the one hand to the problem of the intentions of application, i.e., of the normativity of rational reconstruction (descriptive/prescriptive-ambivalence). It is also due on the other hand to the problem of the signification of the method in the field of history of philosophy (systematic/historical-dichotomy). The varied usage within analytic philosophy, as well as the increasingly inflationary and fussy usage outside, contribute to make rati onal reconstruction somehow appear a Proteus in contemporary philosophical methodology. This paper attempts to administer get-go aid and to close a bit of the theoretical gap and thus to reach a more exact image for the interests of analytic philosophy. Self-application of the method appears to be the right remedy. A graduating rational reconstruction of a standard concept of rational reconstruction will be suggested, differentiating the concept of rational reconstruction check to normativity, and explicating the method of rational reconstruction into two such variants. IntroductionThe method of rational reconstruction occupies a central position in the practice of analytic Philosophy. Andreas Kamlah once has dealt with it in an article under ... ...85), pp.71-82Poser, Hans 1971 Philosophiegeschichte und rationale Rekonstruktion. Wert und Grenze einer Methode. In Studia Leibnitiana 3 (1971), pp. 67-76 ________ 1980 Rekonstruktion, rationale. In Speck, Josef (ed.) Handbuch wissen schaftstheoretischer Begriffe. Band. 3, Gttingen 1980, pp. 555-556 Stegmller, Wolfgang 1967 Gedanken ber eine mgliche rationale Rekonstruktion von Kants Metaphysik der Erfahrung. Teil I. Kants Rtsel der Erfahrungserkenntnis. In Ratio 9 (1967), pp. 1-30 ________ 1973 Probleme und Resultate der Wissenschaftstheorie und Analytischen Philosophie. Band IV. Personelle und Statistische Wahrscheinlichkeit. Studienausgabe Teil A, Berlin 1973________ 1985 Probleme und Resultate der Wissenschaftstheorie und Analytischen Philosophie. Band II. Theorie und Erfahrung. Studienausgabe Teil E, second ed., Berlin 1985.