The Problem of Knowledge"In this book I begin by taking the question of what is meant by knowledge as an example of a philosophical enquiry. Having maintained that to say one knows a fact is to claim the right to be sure of it. I show how such claims may be disputed on philosophical grounds ... The attempt to meet these objections supplies the main subject-matter for what is called the theory of knowledge; and different philosophical standpoints are characterized by the acceptance of denial of different stages in the sceptic's argument ... I also make some observations about philosophical method, the dimensions of time, causality, and personal identity."--Preface. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
A. J. AYER able accept actually analysis answer appear applies argued argument from illusion Aristotelian Society battle of Arnhem battle of Waterloo believe Benjamin Disraeli causal theory claim to know claim to knowledge colour conclusion conscious consist deny Descartes describe directly perceived doubt ence entail evidence example exist expression fact false feelings follow future give given happen identify imply inductive inductive reasoning infer instance justified language least logically look matter meaning memory mental ments merely mind mistaken naïve realist necessary normally observer occur one's past event perception periences personal identity phenomenalist philosophers philosophical sceptic physical objects position possible precognition present experience priori statements problem problem of induction proof question reason recollection refer remember Ryle sceptic scientific seems sensations sense sense-data sense-experiences sentences someone sort speak sufficient condition supposed sure talk telepathy things thought tion true truth usage verb verified words