Dr. Gilad Nir

Research Project

The Riddle of Transformation

Riddle solving is a paradigmatic example of a form of reasoning which brings about a transformation of our understanding. Unlike ordinary reasoning, which proceeds by applying concepts we already understand to cases which neatly fall under them, riddles force us to reach beyond our present understanding of the meanings of the words in which the riddle is posed. Intellectual crises that call for a similar response may arise both in the theoretical and in the practical domains of thought, for example the disintegration of scientific paradigms, the emergence of unresolvable ethical dilemmas, the collapse of political legitimacy, and the appearance of new aesthetic sensibilities. Clarifying the nature of the forms of reasoning that enable us to overcome such crises is the main task of the project. A central obstacle that stands in the way of clarifying the transformation of thought is the following. Since transformations bring about the modification of accepted criteria of justification, it is not clear how they themselves could be justified. The more radical the transformation, the less it seems like its benefits could be rationally appreciated by those who are asked to adopt it. We seem forced to choose between denying the reality of transformation or embracing some form of relativism. The goal of my inquiry is to provide an account of transformation that avoids both of these extremes.