Epistemology and the JTB Account

Flashcards covering the fundamentals of epistemology, types of knowledge, the JTB account, and the Gettier problem.

Epistemology

The theory of knowledge, which investigates what knowledge is, its basis, and its possibility.

Ability knowledge

Also known as 'know-how', this is knowledge involved in performing tasks, such as knowing how to swim or make a fire.

Propositional knowledge

Also called 'knowledge that', this form of knowledge focuses on the truth of propositions.

A posteriori knowledge

Knowledge that is justified through the observation of empirical reality, such as knowing that Jupiter has 62 moons.

A priori knowledge

Knowledge where the truth of the proposition is recognized from the meanings of the words composing the sentence, often combined with deductive argument, such as knowing $1+1=2$-

Knowledge by acquaintance

Also called object or relational knowledge, this expresses a relationship with a person, place, or thing, such as knowing a specific person or region.

Doxastic attitudes

The three attitudes one can take towards a proposition: belief, disbelief, and suspension of judgment.

Belief

An attitude taken towards a proposition that regards that proposition as true.

Correspondence Theory

One of the four dominant theories regarding the nature and definition of truth.

Coherence Theory

One of the four dominant theories concerning the nature of truth.

Pragmatic Theory

One of the four dominant theories of truth.

Minimal Theory

Also called the deflationary theory, it is a theory of truth focused on the minimal grammatical or logical behavior of the truth-predicate.

Justification

A condition for knowledge where a person can provide an argument for a proposition that they genuinely believe is cogent (factually and logically strong).

JTB account

The theory that Justification, Truth, and Belief constitute the jointly necessary and sufficient conditions for propositional knowledge.

Necessary condition

A condition $Y$ that is required for the presence of $X$; you cannot have $X$ without $Y$ (e.g., being below zero is necessary for snow).

Sufficient condition

A condition $X$ that is enough to ensure the presence of $Y$; if $X$ holds, then $Y$ holds (e.g., snow is sufficient for it being below zero).

Edmund Gettier

The philosopher who in 1963 wrote a paper titled 'Is knowledge justified true belief?' which challenged the JTB account.

Gettier Case

A thought experiment showing that it is possible to have a justified true belief that does not amount to knowledge because the truth of the belief is due to luck.

False presupposition

A proposal to fix JTB suggesting that a true belief must not be based on any false underlying assumptions to count as knowledge.

Causal theory of knowledge

The view that knowledge requires an appropriate causal connection between the agent's justification and the facts in the world.