Knowledge and Belief (Problems of Philosophy) - Hardcover

Schmitt, Frederick F.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415033179 ISBN 13: 9780415033176

Publisher: Routledge, 2002

Synopsis

Knowledge, from Plato onwards, has been considered in relation to justified belief. Current debate has centred around the nature of the justification and whether justified belief can be considered an internal or extenal matter. Epistemological internalists argue that the subject must be able to reflect upon a belief to complete the process of justification. The externalists, on the other hand, claim that it is only necessary to consider whether the belief is reliably formed, and argue that the ability to know by reflection is not required for a justified belief. In the historical section of this book the three most important epistemologists, Plato, Descartes and Hume, as well as the ancient epistemologies of the stoics, Academics and Pyrhonians, are considered. In reconsidering the history of epistemology the author is led to argue against hte view that internalism is historically dominant. His critique of internalism is then developed into a sustained argument against many of its forms, and he goes onto defend an externalist, reliabilist epistemology.

About this title

About the Author

F. Schmitt Frederick

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415033179
• ISBN 13: 9780415033176
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288