πŸ“š

Exploring the Complexity of Knowledge

May 12, 2025

Philosophy Series: What is Knowledge?

Introduction to Knowledge

  • Importance of the definition of knowledge in philosophy
    • Illustrates how philosophy works, focusing on definitions
    • Example: moral philosophy defines 'good' (utilitarianism)

How Definitions Work in Philosophy

  • Necessary and Sufficient Conditions:
    • Necessary: Conditions required for a definition
    • Sufficient: Conditions that together define the concept
    • Good definitions overlap perfectly with the concept
  • Types of Knowledge:
    • Ability Knowledge: Skills like riding a bike
    • Acquaintance Knowledge: Knowledge of people or places
    • Propositional Knowledge: Knowledge of facts (e.g., Paris is the capital of France)

Classic Definition of Knowledge: Justified True Belief

  • Tripartite Definition:
    • Justified
    • True
    • Belief
  • Originated from Plato's dialogue "Theaetetus"
  • Criticism via Gettier Cases:
    • Justified true belief isn’t always sufficient for knowledge
    • Example Scenario: Smith & Jones job interview

Post-Gettier Definitions

  • No False Lemmas:

    • Adds condition: Belief not based on false assumptions
    • Still challenged by scenarios like "Fake Barn County"
  • Infallibilism:

    • Knowledge must be absolutely certain
    • Too narrow, excludes common knowledge (e.g., 1+1=2)
  • Virtue Epistemology:

    • Knowledge as a result of intellectual virtues
    • Analogy: Moral virtue vs. intellectual virtue
    • Challenge: Can children or animals possess these virtues?
  • Reliabilism:

    • True belief formed via reliable method
    • Allows knowledge without justification
    • Counter: Gettier cases still challenge this definition

Conclusion

  • None of the definitions are perfect; each has counterexamples
  • Importance of understanding philosophical reasoning and how definitions are critiqued
  • Suggested further reading and resources
    • Notable philosophers and books like Jonathan Dancy's work and Gettier's 1963 paper

Recommendations

  • Books and material for deeper understanding of epistemology
  • Engage with primary philosophical texts to explore further

Final Thoughts

  • Philosophy involves continuous debate and refinement
  • Definitions of knowledge highlight the complexity and depth of philosophical inquiry