Description
Book SynopsisThis book introduces students and other interested readers to the philosophical study of skepticism, a central and long-standing subject in philosophy. The first three chapters cover knowledge, providing the necessary foundation for introducing skepticism in the book''s final three chapters. Throughout, the volume addresses basic questions in these two areas, such as:
- What are the differences between the three types of knowledge: direct knowledge, knowledge by ability, and propositional knowledge?
- What is the Gettier problem and why does it resist easy solutions?
- Why do philosophers still talk about René Descartes' techniques for raising doubts about what we can know but have largely forgotten Descartes' attempts to answer these doubts?
- How do we know that we're not just brains in a vat?
- Is Pyrrhonian skepticismthe idea that we know absolutely nothingultimately self-refuting?
With a glossary of key terms and sugges
Trade Review
"This is a well-written, engaging overview of contemporary epistemology with a significant discussion of types of skepticism. An excellent option for an introductory level course, whether as a part of a larger introduction to philosophy or as an intro text to epistemology."
Ted Poston, University of Alabama
Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I : Knowledge 1. Kinds of Knowledge 2. The Tripartite Conception of Knowledge 3. The Gettier Problem Part II: Skepticism 4. Inductive Skepticism 5. Cartesian Skepticism 6. Pyrrhonian Skepticism Conclusion
