The definitive mission of metaphilosophy is to facilitate an understanding of how philosophy worksthe aim of the enterprise, the instrumental and procedural resources for its work, and the prospect of its success. Nicholas Rescher unites two facets of metaphilosophy to show that historical perspective and forward-thinking normative, or systematic, metaphilosophy cannot be independent of one another. The descriptive, or historical, metaphilosophy provides an account ofwhat has been thought regarding the conduct of philosophical inquiry, and the prescriptive, or normative, metaphilosophy which deliberates about what is to be thought regarding the conduct of philosophizing. Rescher argues that metaphilosophy forms a part of philosophy itself. This is a unique feature of the discipline since the philosophy of biology is not a part of biology and the philosophy of mathematics is not a part of mathematics. Ultimately, the salient features of philosophizing in generalincluding the inherently controversial and discordant nature of philosophical doctrinesare also bound to afflict metaphilosophy. Thus, only by a careful analysis of the central issues can a plausible view of the enterprise be developed.

Metaphilosophy: Philosophy in Philosophical Perspectivechallenges the static, compartmentalized view of metaphilosophy, providing insight for scholars and students of all areas of philosophy.

Nicholas Rescher unites two facets of metaphilosophy to show that the historical perspective and forward-thinking normative, or systematic, approach are, together, an integral component of philosophy itself. Drawing on a full career of philosophical inquiry, Rescher challenges the static, compartmentalized view of metaphilosophy to provide insight for scholars and students in all areas of the discipline.

Chapter 1: The Mission of Philosophy
Chapter 2: Systematizing the Data of Philosophy
Chapter 3: Philosophical Exposition
Chapter 4: The Taxonomy of Philosophy
Chapter 5: Some Principles of Philosophy
Chapter 6: Philosophical Method: Apories and Evaluative Harmonization
Chapter 7: Philosophical Legitimation via Systematization
Chapter 8: Philosophical Refutation
Chapter 9: Coming to Terms with Philosophical Dissensus
Chapter 10: Can Philosophy Be Objective?
Chapter 11: Influence among Philosophers
Chapter 12: Does Philosophy Make Progress?
Chapter 13: On Philosophy as a Guide to Life?
Chapter 14: The Philosophy Industry in the USA
Chapter 15: How the History of Philosophy Relates to Philosophy Itself?
Chapter 16: Interpreting Philosophical Texts
Chapter 17:How to Think Like a Philosopher