Originally published in 1985. This book is about a single famous line of argument, pioneered by Descartes and deployed to full effect by Kant. That argument was meant to refute scepticism once and for all, and make the world safe for science. 'I think, so I exist' is valid reasoning, but circular as proof. In similar vein, Kant argues from our having a science of geometry to Space being our contribution to experience: a different conclusion, arrived at by a similar fallacy. Yet these arguments do show something: that certain sets of opinions, if professed, show an inbuilt inconsistency. It is this second-strike capacity that has kept transcendental arguments going for so long. Attempts to re-build metaphysics by means of such transcendental reasoning have been debated. This book offers an introduction to the field, and ventures its own assessment, in non-technical language, without assuming previous training in logic or philosophy.

Originally published in 1985. This book is about a single famous line of argument, pioneered by Descartes and deployed to full effect by Kant. That argument was meant to refute scepticism once and for all, and make the world safe for science. 'I think, so I exist' is valid reasoning, but circular as proof. In similar vein, Kant argues from our having a science of geometry to Space being our contribution to experience: a different conclusion, arrived at by a similar fallacy. Yet these arguments do show something: that certain sets of opinions, if professed, show an inbuilt inconsistency. It is this second-strike capacity that has kept transcendental arguments going for so long. Attempts to re-build metaphysics by means of such transcendental reasoning have been debated. This book offers an introduction to the field, and ventures its own assessment, in non-technical language, without assuming previous training in logic or philosophy.

ABOUT THIS BOOK A comparison puts two things together, revealing similarities. In a parable, these two are from different areas of life. One is of everyday, and leads to a Verdict all can readily agree. The second, summed up in a Judgment, puts forward a moral claim, and is debateable. But if you agreed to the Verdict you might well feel you ought to accept the Judgment as well - especially if neighbours are listening! This book reviews all the gospel parables, showing how they fit this pattern. It also considers various placings and groupings, endings and pegs which come with them in the gospels; and wonders why so many have come down to us Judgment-free. Any reader who uses arguments can make out where a parable is going, and why its Verdict was agreed, and whether that let them in for the Judgment too. But where no Judgment was given, there the guessing must begin.