Class 5

Question 1

Reliabilism (2)

Answer 1

A) Knowledge is reliably formed true belief
Makes sure that no luck is involved

B) Problem:
Agent forms belief in reliable way
But the reliability is due to luck and not creditable to the agent
Not sufficient for knowledge

Question 2

AAA

Answer 2

Accuracy: is the belief true?

Adroitness: was the belief formed virtuously? (Formed by a reliable virtue)

Aptness: is the belief true because it was virtuously formed?

Question 3

Virtue epistemology (2)

Answer 3

A) Knowledge:
p is true
S believes that p
S’ belief was virtuously formed
S’ belief is true because it was virtuously formed

B) Assumptions:
1. Epistemology is a normative discipline
2. Intellectual agents & communities are the primary source of epistemic value & the primary focus of epistemic evaluation

Question 4

Faculty virtue (2)

Answer 4

A) Cognitive faculties that promote intellectual excellence

B) E.g. senses, memory, imagination, ability for abstract reasoning

Question 5

Trait virtues (2)

Answer 5

A) Epistemic character traits that promote intellectual excellence

B) Tenacity, humility, impartiality, attentiveness, open-mindedness, creativity

Question 6

Virtue reliabilism (2)

Answer 6

A) Virtuously exercised cognitive faculties reliably produce true beliefs

B) Reliability of the agent
Reliability of the agent’s faculty- & trait-virtues
Knowledge requires that the reliability is attributable to the virtuous exercise of an agent’s cognitive faculties

Question 7

Meta-aptness

Answer 7

Taking into account relevant factors regarding risk & chance of success in order to decide whether to perform an action or not