Zdzisław Cackowski: from the Theory of Cognition and Epistemology to the Philosophy of Mind and Philosophical Anthropology

Abstract

This paper examines the legacy of Zdzisław Cackowski (1930–2016), one of the founders of the philosophical community at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. It offers a comprehensive account of the key themes developed throughout five decades of his scholarly activity. Cackowski’s work is examined across three major domains: (1) theory of cognition and epistemology, with particular attention to the dispute over the content of sensory impressions, the structure of problem situations, and the nature of cognitive obstacles; (2) philosophy of mind, including analyses of the mind–body problem, the autonomy of mental phenomena, emergentist and functionalist approaches, and a critique of dualist and substantialist conceptions of mind; (3) philosophical anthropology, where the category of human experience, especially the role of pain, fear, and suffering, is treated as foundational to the emergence of consciousness, self-awareness, and rationality. Cackowski’s thought is situated within the broader context of second generation post-war Polish philosophy, including its dialogue with Marxist thought.