Epistemology: 8.Infallible True Belief

Question 1

What assumption does Gettier make about his conclusions?

Answer 1

Gettier assumes that his conclusions, such as Jones will get the job due to having 10 coins or that either Jones owns a Ford or Brown is in Barcelona, are actually justified.

Question 2

What does the ‘Justified True Belief’ theory lack?

Answer 2

The ‘Justified True Belief’ theory does not specify what counts as ‘justification’ and does not state that knowledge requires certainty.

Question 3

What is infallibilism?

Answer 3

Infallibilism is the view that knowledge must be certain and that one can only know a proposition if their belief is infallible.

Question 4

What is the argument for infallibilism?(outline)

Answer 4

P1. No one can know what is false.
C1. Therefore, if I know that p, then I can’t be mistaken about p.
C2. Therefore, for justification to secure knowledge, justification must guarantee truth.
C3. Therefore, if I am justified in believing that p, I can’t possibly be mistaken.
C4. Therefore, if it is possible that I am mistaken, then I can’t be justified in believing that p.
C5. Therefore, infallibilism is true.

Question 5

How do Gettier cases arise?

Answer 5

Gettier cases arise because of the gap between truth and justification.

Question 6

What does infallibilism suggest about justification?

Answer 6

Infallibilism suggests that justification must be so strong that it is impossible for a justified belief to be false.

Question 7

What does infallibilism require for knowledge?

Answer 7

Infallibilism requires that beliefs are formed in a way that eliminates any possibility of error to meet the standards of knowledge.

Question 8

How does infallibilism apply to the Smith and Jones case?

Answer 8

In the Smith and Jones case, infallibilism suggests that for Smith to know that Jones will get the job, his belief must be formed to eliminate any chance of error. Tehrfore he dons’t know

Question 9

What is the implication of infallibilism in the context of Dr. Jones and virus X?

Answer 9

Infallibilism argues that for Dr. Jones to know that Smith has virus X, her belief must be formed in a way that eliminates any possibility of error. thefor Dr Jones dosen’ know.

Question 10

Why is certianity not feeling?

Answer 10

-feelings are subjective, and a feeling of conviction doesn’t bring you any closer to truth.
-A feeling of certainty won’t guarantee truth, so justification needs to become certain by other criteria

Question 11

Does infallibilism consider justification certain enough?

Answer 11

No- there is still a chance of error