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Who knows what? Epistemic dependence, inquiry, and function-first epistemology.
- Source :
-
Inquiry . Feb2024, Vol. 67 Issue 2, p670-687. 18p. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Function-first epistemologists analyze epistemic concepts, norms, and practices by investigating their functions. According to the most prominent function-first account, the primary function of our concept of knowledge is identifying reliable informants. In this paper, I take for granted the function-first methodology to achieve three main goals: First, I argue against this prominent account: studying practices of knowledge attribution and denial related to epistemic dependence, coordination, and competition reveals that the primary function of our concept of knowledge is not identifying reliable informants. Second, I recommend that function-firsters accept an alternative account: the primary function of our concept of knowledge is identifying those who have eliminated all relevant alternatives. Finally, I diagnose the error that has led function-firsters to their account: they base their investigation into the nature of knowledge on the situation of inquirers seeking informants, a situation that does not reflect the complexity of our epistemic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *THEORY of knowledge
*ATTRIBUTION (Social psychology)
*VIRTUE epistemology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0020174X
- Volume :
- 67
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Inquiry
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 174632609
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/0020174X.2022.2121077