Finally, the question is raised whether selectivism is a fifth root metaphor or the foundation of root matephor theory itself. Requests for reprints should be sent to Joan Boyle, Ph.D., Department of Philosophy, Dowling College, Oakdale, New York 11769. This paper appraises Dewey's general accounting of experience and knowledge as it bears upon an approach to literary experience and inquiry. A potential inadequacy in Dewey's general account is precluded through an assessment of the perceptual and conceptual poles of the knowledge situation offered by Pepper. Pepper's analysis of purposive activity in knowledge situations lends cognitive underpinnings to Dewey's accounting of experience and knowledge.
Pepper also helps clarify the nature and types of evidence at work in the knowledge situation.
A provisional characterization of literary experience and inquiry based upon this assessment of the knowledge situation and the types of evidence is offered. Finally, two modes of attention are deployed in connection with Pepper's two types of evidence. Requests for reprints should be sent to Brian G. Caraher, Ph.D., Department of English, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405. The Journal of Mind and Behavior , Autumn 1982, Vol. 0271-0137 Pepper's generally overlooked, fifth world hypothesis generates its own aesthetic theory, and its root metaphor of the selective art is particularly rich for understanding literature as well as human behavior.