Thinking with C. S. Peirce: Reading and Discussing "A Guess at the Riddle" with Tim Jackson

my written reflections: open.substack....
AI Summary of our dialogue:
Detailed Summary of Peirce's "A Guess at the Riddle"
Introduction and Background:
Charles Sanders Peirce's essay "A Guess at the Riddle" is a foundational text that lays the groundwork for his later, more refined cosmological theories. As Timothy Jackson notes, this essay can be seen as a prelude to Peirce's famous series of essays published in The Monist a few years later, where he expands on his ideas with more precision. The essay is particularly suggestive and rich because it allows readers to witness Peirce in the act of generating these ideas, often tentatively and cautiously, as Matt Segall highlights.
Triadic Relationship and Hypothesis:
Central to Peirce's thinking in this essay is the triadic relationship, a concept that he applies across various domains such as logic, physiology, physics, and psychology. Peirce is clear that he is making a hypothesis about this triadic relationship, suggesting its applicability across these different domains. He is tentative and open to the possibility of being wrong, which reflects his commitment to fallibilism-a key aspect of his philosophical approach.
Continuity and Fallibilism:
One of the major themes in the essay is the concept of continuity, or "synechism," as Peirce calls it. Timothy Jackson emphasizes that for Peirce, continuity is not an ultimate metaphysical principle but rather a regulative principle in the Kantian sense. It should guide our thought without being reified. Peirce relates the principle of continuity closely to fallibilism and evolution, proposing that "a true continuum is something whose possibilities of determination no multitude of individuals can exhaust." This idea aligns with Peirce's view that all knowledge is inherently uncertain and indeterminate, always "swimming in a continuum of uncertainty."
Evolutionary Logic and the Triad:
Peirce's evolutionary logic is articulated through the triad of tychism (chance), anancasm (necessity or law), and agapism (love or purpose). These correspond to the principles of variation, heritability, and selection in Darwinian evolutionary theory. Tychism represents spontaneity and chance, while anancasm signifies the repetition of what came before. Agapism, on the other hand, is about the creation of generals, purpose, and goals, which are characteristic of thirdness, or mediation, in Peirce's triadic logic.
Metaphysical and Theological Implications:
Peirce's cosmology also delves into metaphysical and theological dimensions. He proposes three different views-Epicurean, pessimist, and evolutionist-that reflect different metaphysical stances regarding the universe's origin, development, and ultimate destiny. The Epicurean view holds that only thirdness (the historical process) is real, while the pessimist view sees the origin and terminus as coincident, leading to a cyclical, nihilistic interpretation of reality. Peirce himself advocates for the evolutionist view, which posits a real distinction between the universe's origin (firstness) and its terminus (secondness), suggesting that the universe is evolving toward something genuinely new and different.
Convergence with Other Thinkers:
Both Segall and Jackson point out the convergences between Peirce and other thinkers, particularly Alfred North Whitehead. While Peirce's system is leaner and more minimalistic compared to Whitehead's elaborate metaphysical framework, both thinkers share a commitment to a relational ontology and the importance of continuity in understanding the evolution of the universe. However, as Jackson notes, Peirce's approach to continuity as a regulative principle differs from Whitehead's view, which involves a more structured understanding of the continuity of becoming.
Peirce's Influence and Legacy:
Despite Peirce's profound contributions to philosophy, he struggled with social and professional acceptance, as Segall and Jackson discuss. His prickly personality and inability to navigate social realities effectively contrasted with the more charismatic and socially adept William James. Nevertheless, Peirce's systematic and rigorous approach to logic and metaphysics has left a lasting legacy, influencing later thinkers like Whitehead and others in the process philosophy tradition.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, Peirce's "A Guess at the Riddle" is a complex and rich text that offers a glimpse into the early development of his cosmological and metaphysical ideas. The essay's emphasis on the triadic relationship, continuity, and fallibilism reflects Peirce's innovative approach to philosophy, one that continues to resonate with contemporary thinkers. As Segall and Jackson suggest, Peirce's work, though challenging and sometimes obscure, is ultimately rewarding for those willing to engage with his profound insights into the nature of reality, evolution, and the human quest for knowledge.