Knowledge (Central Problems of Philosophy) - Softcover

Welbourne, Michael

 
9781902683393: Knowledge (Central Problems of Philosophy)
Softcover
ISBN 10: 1902683390 ISBN 13: 9781902683393
Publisher: Routledge, 2001

Synopsis

What is it about knowledge that makes us value it more highly than mere true belief? This question lies at the heart of epistemology and has challenged philosophers ever since it was first posed by Plato. Michael Welbourne's examination of the historical and contemporary answers to this question provides both an excellent introduction to the development of epistemology but also a new theory of the nature of knowledge. The early chapters introduce the main themes and questions that have provided the context for modern discussions. The Platonic beginnings, Cartesian individualism and the tripartite analyses of knowledge are examined in turn. In the second half of this book, the focus shifts from conceptual analysis to an examination of the social practices surrounding knowledge, placing special emphasis on the notion of testimony. The author argues originally and persuasively that our idea of knowledge has its roots in communicative practices and that thinking about how testimony works as a source of beliefs actually gives us a handle on the very idea of knowledge itself. This book will be essential reading for anyone interested in epistemology, the philosophy of language, or the intersection between the two areas.

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About the Author

Michael Welbourne

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
Routledge
Publication date
2001
Language
English
ISBN 10 
1902683390
ISBN 13 
9781902683393
Binding
Paperback
Edition number
1
Number of pages
160

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780773523050: Knowledge: Volume 3 (Central Problems of Philosophy)

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0773523057 ISBN 13:  9780773523050
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2001
Softcover