Between Fallibilism and the Siblinghood of Humanity: A Review of Joseph Agassi, The Philosophy of Practical Affairs: An Introduction

Abstract

According to Agassi, philosophy is nothing if not rationalist and rationalism is nothing if not honest. Honesty starts with the acknowledgement of human fallibility, which is a logical equivalent of the idea of the siblinghood of humanity. The demand for honesty in general and regarding human fallibility in particular, follows from the principle of minimal standards, or demands: excessive demands are not merely redundant but also impede the endeavor to meet those that are perceivably minimal and necessary. From this it further follows that the question of minimal demands and standards must always be allowed access to the agenda.