Cognitive Complications examines fundamental issues in the theory of knowledge from the perspective of philosophical pragmatism. Rescher seeks to show how a pragmatic, user-oriented approach to knowledge can elucidate key issues of the field.

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 U.S.A.
Chapter 15: How the History of Philosophy Relates to Philosophy Itself?
Chapter 16: Interpreting Philosophical Texts
Chapter 17: How to Think Like a Philosopher