Foundations of Epistemology.

Question 1

The three types of knowledge

Answer 1

Ability = Knowing how to do something.

Acquaintance = Knowledge involving direct contact.

Propositional = Knowing about some part of reality i may or may not have experienced. Some claim is true or false. Expressed through a declarative statement.

Question 2

If _________ involves _________ contact with reality, and only ____ ____________ describe reality, then we can only know ____ __________

Answer 2

If knowledge involves cognitive contact with reality, and only true propositions describe reality, then we can only know true propositions.

Question 3

What is Zagzebski sceptical about when it comes to knowledge?

Answer 3

She is sceptical that is has a real essence. If it doesn’t have a real essence, then it can’t be defined. However, she believes we should treat it as having a real essence so we can define it.

Question 4

Zagzebski’s 4 pitfalls when defining something

Answer 4

Circular: Shouldn’t include the term you’re trying to define.
Obscure: The words used in the definition shouldn’t be more difficult than the one you are trying to define.
Negative: You shouldn’t define a term by what it isn’t.
Ad hoc: Having a definition that is only useful for a particular problem.

Question 5

What two conditions need to be met for a definition of knowledge?

Answer 5

Necessary and sufficient conditions.
If we can find these, we can define knowledge.
We can test proposed definitions by using counterexamples.