A Priori Without Magic

"The distinction between the a priori and the a posteriori is an old and influential one. But both the distinction itself and the crucial notion of a priori knowledge face powerful philosophical challenges. Many philosophers worry that accepting the a priori is tantamount to accepting epistemic magic. In contract, this Element argues that the a priori can be formulated clearly, made respectable, and used to do important epistemological work. The author's conception of the a priori and its role falls short of what some historical proponents of the notion may have hoped for, but it allows us to accept and use the notion without abandoning either naturalism or empiricism, broadly understood. This Element argues that we can accept and use the a priori without magic"--

List of contents

Preface; Introduction; 1. Epistemic Evaluation; 2. Characterizing the A Priori; 3. A Priori Through Innateness; 4. Against Rationalism; 5. A Theory of the A Priori; 6. Challenge Cases; 7. Defending Robust A Priori; 8. A Priori in the Epistemological Joints; 9. The Nature of Epistemology; References.

Summary

This Element makes the case that we can accept and use the a priori without magic, arguing that the a priori can be formulated clearly, made respectable, and used to do important epistemological work, without abandoning either naturalism or empiricism, broadly understood.

Foreword

This Element offers a simple theory of the a priori without magic.

Product details

• Authors: Jared Warren, Jared (Stanford University Warren
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.09.2022
• EAN: 9781009015769
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0901576-9
• No. of pages: 75
• Series: Elements in Epistemology
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; PHILOSOPHY / Epistemology, Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge, Philosophy: epistemology and theory of knowledge