The Problem of Knowledge Chapter 1 Theory of

“The Problem of Knowledge” Chapter 1 – Theory of Knowledge

Chapter Overview n The world is a confusing place. n People carry many different opinions. n The world we live in a much bigger then the “world” each of us live in on a daily basis.

3 Possible Solutions to the Problem of Knowledge… n Common Sense n Certainty n Relativism

Common Sense n Our “common sense” probably contains inaccuracies and biases that we are not aware of. n Common sense” consists of beliefs that can be based on prejudice, hearsay and blind appeals. n Hearsay: unverified, unofficial information gained or acquired from another and not part of one’s direct knowledge. (Examples: gossip or rumors)

Mental Map n Mental Map: our ideas of what is true and what is false, what is reasonable and what is unreasonable, what is right and what is wrong, etc… n n Our mental maps may give us a distorted picture of reality Our ideas and beliefs come from many sources… our own experience, parents, friends, teachers, books and the media… It is possible that there are inaccuracies in some of this knowledge, since we don’t always have the chance to check up on some information.

Paradox of Cartography n Paradox of cartography: there is no such thing as a “perfect map”. A perfect map would be useless, because it would be life-sized.

Certainty n It has often been thought that certainty is what distinguishes knowledge from mere belief. n Certainty: The idea here is that when you know something you are certain that it is true and have no doubts about it; but when you merely believe it, you may think it is true, but you are not certain.

Ways of Knowing n Language n Perception n Reason n Emotion n * We acquire knowledge about the world through language, perception, reason and emotion, but none of these ways of knowing can give us certainty.

Radical Doubt n Do we truly Exist? ? ?

Relativism n there is no such thing as absolute truth that exists in an objective way independent of what anyone happens to believe is true. n truth is relative (truth may be different for different individuals or for different cultures) n * According to relativism, truth is relative to the individual; but the fact that we take seriously the idea that someone may be wrong in their beliefs suggests that relativism is false.

Belief vs. Truth n The fact that you “believe” something is true, does not mean that it is actually true. (Santa Claus Example)

Judgement n since we live in a world with few black and white certainties, we must rely more on judgement than proof in deciding what to believe. n It is important to find a balance between being skeptical and open-minded.

Reasonable Knowledge n 2 preliminary criteria to use to determine whether or not a knowledge claim is reasonable n n Evidence n for a belief to be reasonable there should be some positive evidence in support of it Coherence n deciding whether or not a belief coheres, or fits in, with our current understanding of things n we must examine our doubts of a belief one at a time n always demand good evidence before believing something

argument ad ignorantiam na fallacy that explains, the fact that you can’t prove that something isn’t true does nothing to show that it is true.

Confirmation Bias n to notice only evidence that supports our beliefs n we should look for evidence in favor of our beliefs as well as evidence that counts against our beliefs (EX: horoscope)

Who Cares? ? ? n Do people have the right to believe what they want to believe? n Are some beliefs more worthy of respect than others?

Why do our beliefs matter? n One reason our beliefs and opinions matter is that they are an important – perhaps defining- part of who we are as a person. n A second reason why beliefs matter is that people’s beliefs affect their actions; and, in some cases at least, beliefs can literally be a matter of life and death. n Dangerous misguided beliefs • witchcraft • cigarettes and gummy bears • suicide

Conclusion n 3 possible solutions to the problem of knowledge n common sense n certainty n relativism n none of these are entirely adequate n Since the problem of knowledge has no easy solution we must use our judgement in trying to decide what to believe.