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