Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine critically and to defend the architectonic method of Charles S. Peirce as derived from Kant. It is argued that Peirce's maxim that scientific theories and systems ought to be constructed architectonically is a significant methodological recommendation for inquiry. It is further argued that for Peirce architectonic is a necessary prerequisite if inquiry is to be properly directed and controlled. ;Peirce, like Kant, sought a scientific status for philosophy. It was Kant's aim to place philosophy upon the secure path of a science for only then, he believed, would it cease to be a random grouping for knowledge. Similarly Peirce maintained that the advancement of philosophical knowledge would be facilitated if the methods of the successful sciences were adopted. ;Throughout his philosophical career Peirce was concerned with the proper methods of inquiry. He held that the ultimate purpose of the logician is to make out the general theory of how knowledge is to be advanced in the most efficacious and economical manner possible. To that end he thought it essential that all our cognitions be gathered into the unity of a system. But since architectonic is the art of constructing systems this is just another way of saying that out inquiries ought to be conducted architectonically