Epistemology: Classic Problems and Contemporary ResponsesIn this study, Laurence BonJour introduces the serious philosophy student to the history and concepts of epistemology, while simultaneously challenging them to take an active part in its ongoing debates. The text reflects BonJour's conviction that the place to start any discussion of the theories of knowledge is with the classical problems, beginning with and centred around Descartes. Only after the groundwork for understanding epistemology is laid does BonJour move on to the more contemporary revolutions against the classical approach. This volume should be of use to those on introductory-level epistemology courses or, supplemented by appropriate readings, an upper-level epistemology class offered in many philosophy departments. It is not, however, a simple reader of the different theories of knowledge. It aims to encourage students to think independently about the various epistemological approaches presented in the text and form their own conclusions. |
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
The Classical Problems of Epistemology | 9 |
Descartess Epistemology | 11 |
The Concept of Knowledge | 27 |
The Problem of Induction | 53 |
A Priori Justification and Knowledge | 77 |
Immediate Experience | 105 |
Knowledge of the External World | 129 |
Contemporary Responses to the Cartesian Program | 189 |
Introduction to Part Two | 190 |
Foundationalism and Coherentism | 193 |
Internalism and Externalism | 221 |
Quine and Naturalized Epistemology | 239 |
Skepticism | 257 |
Conclusion | 278 |
Other Minds Testimony and Memory | 163 |
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Common terms and phrases
accept alternative antiskeptical apparent appeal argue argument argument from illusion awareness basis behavior belief in question brain-in-a-vat Cartesian causal claim clear cognitive coherence coherentism coherentist commonsense concept of knowledge conception of analyticity condition consider correct Descartes Descartes's direct realism discussion dispositional belief epistemic evil genius example existence explanation external world externalist fact foundationalism foundationalist further genuine Hume's idea immediate experience immediately experienced inductive reasoning inference intuitive involved issue justified beliefs kind least material objects material world memory mental mind moderate empiricism naturalized epistemology obvious occurrent belief perception perhaps perience phenomenalist philosophers plausible possible premise priori insight priori justification problem problem of induction proposition in question Quine reason for thinking reason or justification relation relevant to chapters reliabilism reliable representationalism result rience seems sense sense-data sensory experience simply sort specific standard inductive suggest supposed testimony theory things tion true various versions of skepticism