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Epistemology: The Definition of Knowledge - Coggle Diagram
Epistemology: The Definition of Knowledge
1. What is knowledge?
aquaintance knowledge = knowing of
propositional knowledge = knowing that
practical knowledge = knowing how
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2. Propositional knowledge
Zagzebski
aim is to find precise definition that tells us exactly what knowledge is, rather than help us achieve it
conceptual analysis - traditional way of defining concepts is to look for the conditions or factors that must be true for an example of the concept to occur.
breaking down a concept to discover necessary conditions for a true example of the concept to occur - sometimes an analysis would also cover the cause of the thing being defined
definitions should be:
Circular – they should not include the term being defined. E.g. justice is what happens when just acts occur.
Obscure – the terms in any definition should not be more obscure than the original term.
Negative – you can’t define it by saying what it is not.
Ad hoc – a definition that is specific to meeting a particular problem.
Locke: water has a real essence, weeds do not. Water has a 'natural kind' but weeds do not. If an object has a real essence, it can also have a real definition.
3. The Tripartite View
you can’t know something if it isn’t true. If someone said, “I know that the moon is made of green cheese” you wouldn’t consider that knowledge because it isn’t true
you can’t know something if it isn’t true. If someone said, “I know that the moon is made of green cheese” you wouldn’t consider that knowledge because it isn’t true
neccesary and sufficient conditions - e.g. bachelor is unmarried man