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Epistemology is the philosophical study of knowledge. Epistemologists seek to understand knowledge's nature and availability. What is knowledge? There are competing theories. Can we really have knowledge? Challenges abound.
In this lively book, Stephen Hetherington introduces us to epistemological theorizing. He builds a theory and tests it, refines it, and challenges it again. He explores such topics as evidence, truth and belief, different kinds of knowledge, and knowledge's value, as well as sceptical views concerning knowledge of the physical world, one's own mind and memory, and rational limits for observation and reason. This epistemological theorizing is then applied to some of life's most pressing issues, such as how to live and how to understand ourselves and others.
What is Epistemology? is a practical and student-friendly guide to one of the most dynamic areas of philosophy. It will be the go-to introductory epistemology text.
List of contents
* Preface and Acknowledgements
* 1 Doing Epistemology
* 2 Kinds of Knowledge?
* 3 A First Theory of Knowledge
* 4 Refining Our Theory of Knowledge
* 5 Is it even Possible to have Knowledge?
* 6 Applying Epistemology
* Further Reading
About the author
Stephen Hetherington is Professor of Philosophy at the University of New South Wales
Summary
Epistemology is the philosophical study of knowledge. Epistemologists seek to understand knowledge's nature and availability. What is knowledge? There are competing theories. Can we really have knowledge? Challenges abound.
In this lively book, Stephen Hetherington introduces us to epistemological theorizing. He builds a theory and tests it, refines it, and challenges it again. He explores such topics as evidence, truth and belief, different kinds of knowledge, and knowledge's value, as well as sceptical views concerning knowledge of the physical world, one's own mind and memory, and rational limits for observation and reason. This epistemological theorizing is then applied to some of life's most pressing issues, such as how to live and how to understand ourselves and others.
What is Epistemology? is a practical and student-friendly guide to one of the most dynamic areas of philosophy. It will be the go-to introductory epistemology text.
Report
'A wonderfully entertaining and lucid introduction to the philosophy of knowledge. Hetherington challenges readers to find their own epistemology and think about why knowledge matters. It's hard to think of many, if any, better introductions to the subject.'
Quassim Cassam, University of Warwick
'Hetherington's book is an ideal entry point not only to epistemology, but to philosophy itself. Working through a well-chosen series of issues, he shows how to construct a philosophical theory and how to embrace its impact on one's life.'
Baron Reed, Northwestern University
