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Exploring the Definition of Knowledge

Jan 5, 2025

Definition of Knowledge - Philosophy A Level

Overview

  • The definition of knowledge is a foundational question in philosophy.
  • Plato's definition: Knowledge as justified true belief (JTB).
  • Edmund Gettier challenged this definition in 1963 with scenarios (Gettier cases) where justified true belief does not equate to knowledge.
  • Alternative definitions aim to define knowledge beyond Gettier issues:
    • Justified true belief (JTB)
    • JTB + No false lemmas
    • Reliabilism
    • Virtue epistemology
    • Infallibilism

Types of Knowledge

  • Ability: "Knowledge how" (e.g., knowing how to ride a bike).
  • Acquaintance: "Knowledge of" (e.g., knowing Fred well).
  • Propositional: "Knowledge that" (e.g., knowing that London is the capital of England).
  • Focus on propositional knowledge.

Justified True Belief (JTB)

  • Known as the tripartite definition of knowledge.
  • Necessary and Sufficient Conditions:
    • Justified, true, and belief are necessary for knowledge.
    • Example: A bachelor is an unmarried man.
    • Gettier cases challenge sufficiency.

Gettier Cases

  • Demonstrate justified true belief not sufficient for knowledge due to luck.
  • Case 1: Smith's belief about the job and 10 coins.
    • Justified, true belief but not knowledge due to luck.
  • Case 2: Disjunction introduction (logical principle):
    • Smith's belief about ownership and location.
    • True due to luck, not knowledge.

Alternative Definitions of Knowledge

JTB + No False Lemmas

  • Adds a condition: knowledge must not be inferred from false premises.
  • Avoids Gettier issues but faces challenges like the fake barn county example.

Reliabilism

  • Knowledge is true belief formed by reliable methods (e.g., good eyesight).
  • Advantages: Accounts for knowledge in children and animals.
  • Problems: Fake barn county scenario challenges its validity.

Virtue Epistemology

  • Links belief with intellectual virtues (e.g., rationality, good memory).
  • Linda Zagzebski: Argues Gettier cases challenge all true belief + third condition definitions.
    • Suggests knowledge arises from intellectual virtues.
  • Ernest Sosa's Apt Belief:
    • Knowledge as true belief due to intellectual virtues (aptness).
    • Solves Gettier issues by linking truth to intellectual virtues.
    • Problems: Difficulty explaining knowledge in children and animals.

Infallibilism

  • Knowledge requires certainty, avoiding doubt.
  • Problem: Sets too high a bar for knowledge (e.g., doubt about boiling point).

Conclusion

  • Gettier cases significantly challenge the tripartite definition of knowledge.
  • Various attempts to refine or redefine knowledge to avoid Gettier problems.
  • Philosophical debate on knowledge continues, balancing between certainty and fallibility.