This paper discusses various aspects of internalist approach to knowledge and justification. Furthermore, the paper acknowledges that internalism has both strengths and weaknesses in relation to understanding various aspects of epistemology.
Internalism/externalism discussions are central elements in the field of contemporary epistemology. These debates aim to answer the fundamental questions on the basic nature of epistemic justification and knowledge. Basically, internalism encompasses justification which is a result of internal factors to a person. On the other hand, externalists claim that justification should also be determined by factors which are external to the debate. Determining what is internal to the person has thus become central aspect of the internalism/externalism debate.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Discussion
- Knowledge and Justification
- Internalism can be divided into two branches
- Philosophical advantages of internalism
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore various aspects of the internalist approach to knowledge and justification within epistemology. It acknowledges both the strengths and weaknesses of internalism in understanding epistemological concepts.
- The nature of epistemic justification and knowledge.
- The internalist vs. externalist debate in epistemology.
- Different branches of internalism (mentalism and access internalism).
- Philosophical arguments for and against internalism.
- Comparison of internalism and externalism.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introduction sets the stage for a discussion on internalism and externalism in epistemology. It highlights the central role of these debates in contemporary epistemology, tracing their origins to Gettier's challenge to the justified true belief account of knowledge. The introduction establishes the paper's focus on exploring various aspects of the internalist approach, acknowledging both its strengths and limitations.
Discussion: This section delves into the core concepts of knowledge and justification, defining knowledge as awareness or understanding acquired through experience, perception, or education. It distinguishes between knowledge and justified belief, emphasizing the importance of evidence and reasons. The section then introduces internalism and externalism as contrasting approaches to explaining various philosophical phenomena. Internalism, the focus of the paper, is defined as the thesis that personal beliefs and desires are necessary for explaining facts about the world, emphasizing the role of internal mental states in justifying beliefs. The discussion differentiates between mentalism and access internalism within the broader framework of internalism, outlining the key differences between actual access and accessibility as central tenets of access internalism. Access internalism emphasizes the importance of the believer's awareness of the justifications for their beliefs.
Philosophical advantages of internalism: This section presents arguments in favor of internalism. It contrasts internalism's requirement of good reasons for belief with externalism's focus on reliable belief-forming processes, highlighting the importance of the subject's awareness in internalism. The "new evil demon problem" is introduced as a challenge to externalist views, specifically reliabilism, arguing that even under radical deception, internalism maintains that justification can still exist. The section further develops the argument for internalism, focusing on the accessibility of justifiers and the ability to reflectively be aware of them. It addresses potential criticisms of this accessibility internalism, acknowledging that not all justified beliefs are easily justifiable and that reflective awareness might not encompass all justifiers.
Keywords
Epistemology, Internalism, Externalism, Justification, Knowledge, Belief, Gettier Problem, Mentalism, Access Internalism, Reliabilism, Subject's Perspective Objection (SPO), Deontological Justification.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Internalism in Epistemology
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of internalism in epistemology. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The aim is to explore various aspects of the internalist approach to knowledge and justification, acknowledging both its strengths and weaknesses.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document covers the nature of epistemic justification and knowledge; the internalist vs. externalist debate; different branches of internalism (mentalism and access internalism); philosophical arguments for and against internalism; and a comparison of internalism and externalism. It specifically focuses on internalism's strengths and limitations within the context of contemporary epistemology, including addressing challenges like the "new evil demon problem".
What is internalism in epistemology?
Internalism, in the context of this document, is defined as the thesis that personal beliefs and desires are necessary for explaining facts about the world, emphasizing the role of internal mental states in justifying beliefs. It contrasts with externalism, which focuses on reliable belief-forming processes rather than the subject's internal state.
What are the different branches of internalism discussed?
The document distinguishes between two main branches of internalism: mentalism and access internalism. Mentalism focuses on the role of internal mental states in justification, while access internalism emphasizes the importance of the believer's awareness of the justifications for their beliefs – the accessibility of those justifications.
What are the main arguments for and against internalism?
Arguments for internalism highlight the importance of the subject's awareness of justifications and the ability to reflectively be aware of them. The "new evil demon problem" is used to challenge externalist views by arguing that even under radical deception, justification can still exist from an internalist perspective. Potential criticisms address the fact that not all justified beliefs are easily justifiable and that reflective awareness might not encompass all justifiers.
How does internalism relate to the Gettier problem?
The introduction mentions that the internalism/externalism debate is rooted in Gettier's challenge to the justified true belief account of knowledge. While not explicitly detailed, the discussion implies that internalism offers a potential response to the issues raised by Gettier cases.
What are the key terms used in the document?
Key terms include: Epistemology, Internalism, Externalism, Justification, Knowledge, Belief, Gettier Problem, Mentalism, Access Internalism, Reliabilism, Subject's Perspective Objection (SPO), and Deontological Justification.
What is the structure of the document?
The document is structured with an introduction, a main discussion section, and a conclusion implied through the chapter summaries. The discussion section delves into the core concepts of knowledge and justification, introduces internalism and externalism, and explores the philosophical advantages of internalism. The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of the content of each section.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Difrine Madara (Autor:in), 2019, Internalist approach to knowledge and justification, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/588143
