Susan Haack

Susan Haack (born 23 July 1945) was a British philosopher and academic, holding positions at the University of Miami. Her work spanned logic, philosophy of language, epistemology, and metaphysics, with a pragmatic approach influenced by Charles Sanders Peirce. She is recognized for developing 'foundherentism,' an epistemological theory that seeks to balance foundationalism and coherentism, using a crossword puzzle metaphor. Haack was also a notable critic of Richard Rorty and certain aspects of feminist epistemology, advocating for a more rigorous and less politically influenced approach to philosophy and science. Her book 'Defending Science – Within Reason: Between Scientism and Cynicism' argued for the value and integrity of scientific inquiry against relativistic and cynical perspectives. She held that good inquiry requires solid evidence, sound methods, and transparency, and that while individual inquiry is valuable, the scientific community's collective tools enhance credibility. Haack also addressed the relationship between science and religion, noting areas of tension and disagreement with views like NOMA (Non-Overlapping Magisteria). She was an active writer and commentator, contributing to various publications and engaging in public discourse on these topics.