The heuristic view: historical roots and emerging perspectives

This paper briefly outlines key elements of the heuristic view, which primarily seeks to rationally explain how knowledge is acquired. Central to this view is the concept of discovery, linking the heuristic view to the historical search for a logic of discovery that has been a focal point of philosophy from its early stages through the late nineteenth century. The discussion then centers on comparing Lakatos’ and Cellucci’s versions of the heuristic view, highlighting both shared elements and distinguishing features between the two. Finally, an overview of the trends and future prospects of the heuristic view that emerge by the contributions to this volume is presented.