Book FAQ by: Marc D’Antin & Scott A. Miller
What you should know about
World Hypotheses: A Study in
Evidence
By Stephen C. Pepper
1942 University of California Press
What is it about?
Pepper suggests that the book is "a complete survey of metaphysics." Pepper purports
to condense all of the tenable philosophic outlooks on reality and truth into a
taxonomy of four "world hypotheses." Each hypotheses tests reality and categorizes
events according to a root metaphor and a truth criterion.
What is the best feature of the book?
It isn’t as intimidating as many philosophy books. It presents a compelling and
almost inarguable sequence of prepositions based in logical argument from beginning
to end.
What is the worst feature of the book?
It sometimes wanders and seems to go on tangents that can cause you to lose your
focus on the purpose of the chapter.
Who should read it?
Those who are interested in the nature of “truth” and “reality.” People interested in
understanding modern philosophy, and especially in a deep exploration of the
philosophy of the science of behavior as this book is a major influence on a number
of prominent behavior analysts, and is often cited by behavioral philosophers.
Is it difficult?
Yes. While it is not long, and doesn’t feel as dense as some philosophy books might, it
is challenging. Be prepared to read carefully and reread. Take your time.
How does it relate to behaviorism and behavior analysis?
Because many describe behaviorism is being rooted primarily in the contextualist
worldview, an understanding of the philosophy of contextualism as the broader
foundation for behaviorism may have implications for the scientist practitioner and
guide further development of the field of Behavior Analysis. There are different
Book FAQ by: Marc D’Antin & Scott A. Miller
camps of behavioral philosophy that are often incompatible and uncompromising,
which can be logically examined using Pepper’s taxonomy. This book provides and
analysis that can be applied to a comprehensive understanding of the distinction
between the different behavioral approaches.
What do I need to know about behaviorism before I read it?
Because this is a philosophy book, and one that doesn’t purport to examine the
subject of behaviorism, no experience with behaviorism is needed.
What is the take home point?
The understanding of truth and reality is a product of the system we use to interact
with the universe. Often the difference in opinion regarding different analyses (or
different levels of analysis) can be better elucidated by identifying the distinct
worldviews held by opposing arguments. The extent to which these can be classified
is based upon the essential elements of philosophic works produced by centuries of
writers.