RI Structure of Knowledge Worksheet 2023

RI KI JC1 Term 2/Weeks 5-6 Structure of Knowledge 1 Foundationalism, Reliabilism, Coherentism Foundationalism Coherentism Reliabilism a) Definition: the formal definition of this theory of epistemic justification Knowledge should be built on basic, secure (indubitable or incorrigible) pieces of knowledge. In other words, justification for all of our beliefs is ultimately derived from the basic beliefs that act as the foundation for all that we know. Knowledge should not contradict existing pieces of knowledge. Knowledge should lend mutual support. And a set of knowledge should have as wide a scope as possible. In other words, whole systems of beliefs are justified by their coherence. Some beliefs are better supported than others (centre vs peripheral), but none completely justified and indubitable. Knowledge should be constructed through reliable means. Reliable here means most likely to produce a true belief. In other words, a belief is justified based on how it is formulated, rather than by being based on good reasons per se; it is justified if it can give us the results. b) Illustration: draw how such a structure of knowledge would look like c) Examples: Any disciplines / areas of knowledge that exemplify such a structure? d) What are some advantages of structuring knowledge in this

RI KI JC1 Term 2/Weeks 5-6 Structure of Knowledge 2 Foundationalism Coherentism Reliabilism way? How might it be better than the other 2 theories? Make sure you give reasons for the advantages. e) What are some drawbacks of structuring knowledge in this way? Give reasons for the disadvantages. f) Criticisms of this theory • Idea of basic belief doesn’t make sense. • Sense data is corrigible. • A priori beliefs can’t really support a useful belief set. • The choice of basic beliefs seems arbitrary. • Direction of justification not one way. • Some beliefs should not be revised. Doesn’t account for a priori truths. Eg – math? • Plurality: what happens when we are faced with 2 equally justified sets of beliefs? Coherentism doesn’t tell us which to choose. • Difficult to apply reliability consistently. What works for one person may not for another. • May be too loose a requirement for justification – a method could seem reliable repeatedly by luck. We may not be so lucky in the future. • A method may be reliable but false. Supplementary Notes on the Structure of Knowledge: Epistemic Justification Justification, according to the tripartite theory of knowledge (JTB), is the difference between merely believing something that is true, and knowing it. To have knowledge, on this account, we must have justification. How our beliefs are justif