Epistemology

Question 1

Explain ways in which you can test for a good definition

Answer 1

• Provide counter examples, if the definition does not disprove it then the definition is true.
• A good definition should not be circular
• A good definition should explain to us a concept which we do not understand by giving us simpler concepts which we do understand.

Question 2

Can propositional Knowledge be defined?

Answer 2

You should aim to find a definition until you have failed to find one. You know you have failed when you cannot give the definition necessary and sufficient and conditions.

Question 5

Ability Knowledge

Answer 5

I know how to do something, eg. I know how to ride a bike.

Question 6

Explain the tripartite view.

Answer 6

This is the idea that knowledge is justified true belief. You know proposition x if x is true, you believe x is true and that you believe x is justified.
These 3 conditions are necessary and sufficient to knowledge.

Question 7

Why justified true belief?

Answer 7

Truth & Belief
-Reality is described by what is true. Reality is not what is false, therefore we can only know what is true. Eg. If x is true, then you believe it.

Justification

• Justification is the reason for accepting the proposition.
• A proposition can be true but not justified, true beliefs can be formed irrationally.
• True beliefs can be lucky and correct but this does not mean that it is knowledge
• Belief needs to be formed on evidence.

Question 8

Explain the part that certainty plays in the Tripartite View.

Answer 8

• Knowledge has to be certain but beliefs do not.
• However, the tripartite view does not say that a belief must be certain in order to be Knowledge, we have good reason to believe many things which we also have good reason to doubt.
• It is possible to have a justified false belief because the evidence was strong at the time.
• If a belief we thought was true, turns out to be false, it’s no longer knowledge.

Question 9

Explain Necessary and Sufficient conditions

Answer 9

For a concept to be true, it must have necessary and sufficient conditions. (If X, then Y)
If Mr A is unmarried then Mr A is a bachelor. This is correct because being unmarried is a necessary condition for being a bachelor, however it is not sufficient because a bachelor must also be a man.

Question 11

1. Define the second type of knowledge

2. Explain the two types of knowledge that it splits into.

Answer 11

1. Involves being in cognitive contact with something
2. Acquaintance Knowledge - Knowing something because of direct contact ‘I know my father’
   Propositional Knowledge -Factual Knowledge that is either true of false. Eg. 2+2=4 True Propositions describe how reality is, Knowledge is a relation between a subject and some part of reality so to be part of reality is knowing what a true proposition is.