Description
Book SynopsisWhat is the connection between experience and knowledge? Evan Fales defends the contested idea that sense experience can be used to justify basic beliefs. He explores what it is for a belief to be self-evident and examines implications for his argument of Gestalt psychology and visual phenomena and illusions. Fales diverges from classical foundationalism, however, arguing that basic beliefs are often only probable, rather than infallible. A Defense of the Given is an important work not only for epistemologists but for all philosophers interested in how we can justify our beliefs.
Trade ReviewEvan Fales deserves our gratitude for his carefully argued and moderate attempt to show that a theory of what is 'given' to observation can be constructed. -- David Armstrong, The University of Sydney
Fales carries out a vigorous defense of a sophisticated and powerful doctrine of the given. The book deserves careful consideration by all those concerned with perception and epistemology. -- William P. Alston, Syracuse University
