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Title: The Theory of Knowledge: A Thematic Introduction by Paul K. Moser, Dwayne H. Mulder, J.D. Trout, Mulder Trout Moser ISBN: 0-19-509466-2 Publisher: Oxford University Press Pub. Date: September, 1997 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $25.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (2 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A Short and Sweet Intro. to Epistemology
Comment: I came to epistemology relatively late, but since it asks how we know things, as both a scientist and as a Christian, I have grown to consider this one of the most compelling fields in philosophy.
This book has helped me along considerably. For a collaboration between three philosophers, the taut, cogent writing in this book is particularly impressive. The present all the key debates in modern epistemology, their roots, and then give you suggested readings at the end, so if something catches your fancy,you'll know where to look. And that sums it up: this is a fantastic introduction to epistemology.
Rating: 5
Summary: Clear and concise introduction to epistemology
Comment: The "Theory of Knowledge" is a clearly written introduction to the field of epistemology ideal for new-comers to this important topic in philosophy. The book is written by three practicing philosphers who pool their understanding of epistemology to present the subject in simple, clear and vibrant language.
The first two chapters of the book lay the framework for subsequent discussions by explaining why the study of knowledge is important. This is followed in chapters 3, 4 and 5 by an explanation of the ideas of what the authors call the "traditional analysis of knowledge", namely, belief, truth and justification. As they describe it, belief is a necessary condition for knowledge; asking about truth boils down to discovering what conditions a sentence, statement, belief or proposition must satisfy to be true; and justification for our beliefs implies an "adequate indication" of truth.
Subsequent chapters discuss our sources of knowledge, rationality and skeptical theories to our ability to really have true knowledge of the world. The final chapter, "Epistemology and Explanation" fleshes out a position the authors raise at earlier points in the book; i.e., that of "inference to the best explanation" (also referred to as "abductive inference"). Inference to the best explanation involves justifying our beliefs based upon the explanatory power of various claims about the world. One of the values of this approach, in my view, is that it moves away from the attempts of earlier philosophers to devise a universal theory of knowledge (which skepticsm has been able to easily shoot holes through). In keeping with their undogmatic and fair-minded style of presentation of the subject, the authors also discuss the limitations of abductive inference in answering skepticism.
The book provides a useful glossary of terms, references and a section for further reading based upon each of the book's chapters. The major benefit of this book is that its clear and no-frills presentation armed me with a basic and solid understanding of the field of epistemology whereby I can pursue a more advanced understanding of the field with confidence.
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Title: The Idea of a Social Science: And Its Relations to Philosophy by Peter Winch ISBN: 0415054311 Publisher: Routledge Pub. Date: March, 1995 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
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Title: Metaphysics : A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge Contemporary Introductions to Philosophy) by Michael J. Loux ISBN: 0415261074 Publisher: Routledge Pub. Date: 01 January, 2002 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
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Title: Theory of Knowledge by Keith Lehrer ISBN: 0813390532 Publisher: Westview Press Pub. Date: 20 September, 2000 List Price(USD): $27.00 |
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Title: Problems of Knowledge: A Critical Introduction to Epistemology by Michael Williams ISBN: 0192892568 Publisher: Oxford University Press Pub. Date: August, 2001 List Price(USD): $21.95 |
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Title: Knowledge and Its Limits by Timothy Williamson ISBN: 019925656X Publisher: Oxford Press Pub. Date: December, 2002 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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