Epistemology

by Richard Feldman

For courses in Epistemology.

Introduction to contemporary epistemology. Content is organized around “The Standard View”―the view that we do know most of the things reflective common sense tells us we know. Skepticism is discussed as only one of several objections to the view.

From the Back Cover
Many of the problems of philosophy are of such broad relevance to human concerns, and so complex in their ramifications, that they are in one form or another perennially present. In the course of time, they yield to philosophical study and may be reexamined by each age in the light of its broader scientific knowledge and deepened ethical and religious experience. Thus, one who approaches the study of philosophy in the hope of understanding the best of what it affords will look for both fundamental interpretations and contemporary achievements.

Written by a group of distinguished philosophers, the Foundations of Philosophy Series aims to exhibit some of the main problems in the various fields of philosophy as they stand at the present stage of philosophical inquiry.

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Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Many of the problems of philosophy are of such broad relevance to human concerns, and so complex in their ramifications, that they are, in one form or another, perennially present. Though in the course of time they yield in part to philosophical inquiry, they may need to be rethought by each age in the light of its broader scientific knowledge and deepened ethical and religious experience. Better solutions are found by more refined and rigorous methods. Thus, one who approaches the study of philosophy in the hope of understanding the best of what it affords will look for both fundamental issues and contemporary achievements.

Written by a group of distinguished philosophers, the Foundations of Philosophy Series aims to exhibit some of the main problems in the various fields of philosophy as they stand at the present stage of philosophical history.

While certain fields are likely to be represented in most introductory courses in philosophy, college classes differ widely in emphasis, in method of instruction, and in rate of progress. Every instructor needs freedom to change his course as his own philosophical interests, the size and make-up of his classes, and the needs of his students vary from year to year. The volumes in the Foundations of Philosophy Series—each complete in itself, but complementing the others—offer a new flexibility to the instructor, who can create his own textbook by combining several volumes as he wishes, and can choose different combinations at different times. Those volumes that are not used in an introductory 'course will be found valuable, along with other texts or collections of readings, for the more specialized upper-level courses.

Tom L. Beauchamp, Editor
Elizabeth Beardsley and Monroe Beardsley, Founding Editors

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written in a manner that is engaging and clear. As a relative newcomer to epistemology I’m not in a position to rank this book alongside others on the same topic, but as book in its own right it provides a concise and well-defended articulation of the “Standard View” of knowledge (i.e. justified true belief).

[Fons Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am become Williamson, the destroyer of evidentialism

[Kiel Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pleasure to read. Through interacting with and analyzing the material Feldman presents, I discovered that I have a deep interest in epistemology in general. I learned a great deal from reading this book and discussing the ideas conveyed therein during class sessions.

This is a clear, well-written text that concisely and accurately introduces readers to the field of epistemology. The book is approachable, easy to understand, and thorough. Feldman is a modest foundationalist, but he remains charitable to all other theories of knowledge and skeptical arguments, affording each view a respectable and seemingly complete discussion.

Feldman also makes "doing philosophy" fun. There are quite a few parts that I found to be entertaining and funny, although I'm not sure many people in the same class found the material humorous. By reading closely, you discover that Feldman is not a Cubs fan. In addition, many of the thought experiments proposed are witty and comical.

Some sections, however, I also thought were fairly (depressing) deeply thought provoking. For example, while discussing the fact that acquaintance knowledge (knowledge of) does not reduce to propositional knowledge (knowledge that), Feldman states the following: "No matter how many facts you know about a person, it does not follow that you know that person." Yeah. Let that settle in for a moment, then ask yourself how many people are in your life that you actually know. Mmmhmm.

This text was assigned reading for a philosophy course, but not every chapter of this book was required reading.

[Lukas op de Beke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a crystal-clear, concise and carefully structured introduction to epistemology. What I found especially appealing is that Feldman at the outset puts forward a theory of knowledge he finds best- the JTB theory or Traditional Analysis of Knowledge coupled with modest foundationalism- and then shows how this theory copes with possible objections and rival theories such as epistemological relativism, epistemological naturalism and epistemological skepticism. Finally, the book abounds in well-crafted, humorous examples that helps one in understanding what the particular argument consists in and what its limits are.

[Dario Vaccaro]

Read Chapters 1-3. Chapters 1 and 2 are an exceptionally accessible introduction to the debate on the proper definition of knowledge. Feldman, unlike many philosophers, has a keen understanding of a layperson's thoughts on the topic (or lack thereof), leading the way towards Gettier without ever resulting condescending while, on the other hand, not being afraid to show that ideas most people have are clearly confused. I felt that Chapter 3 notches up the complexity a bit too much for the purposes of an introductory text, but still a great discussion of post-Gettier options. BTW, his "modest proposal" at the end of Chapter 3 has been refuted by Warfield (2005). For further, highly sophisticated, discussion, see Fitelson (2017).

[izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

for class, very interesting and covers many theories of knowledge -- feldman is not ashamed of disagreement, even disagrees with theories about disagreement.

[Dcn. Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best philosophy books I've read studying philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Very clear overview of contemporary epistemology with formalized arguments and clear illustrative examples throughout.

[Shahrian Shihab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive book. Defends the Standard View of Knowledge. The Standard View is:
(SV1) we know a large variety of things
(SV2) Perception, memory, testimony, introspection, rational inference, and rational insight are our sources of knowledge.

[Kali]

I read this for PHI 330, theories of knowledge, through ASU online. Feldman is an evidentialist/modest foundationalist.

[Ryan Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Remarkably clear, concise and engaging, this is the best introduction and overview of the topic I have read. While I may not perfectly agree with every conclusion Feldman’s offers, he is generally correct on many and always fair. Compared to others in the field, this book stands out for its lack of verbosity, arrogance, and unneeded complication. Highly recommended - if you care to investigate the topic.

[Johnathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for learning about Epistemology.

I had a beginner/intermediate understanding of epistemology before reading and wanted to brush up and solidify my understanding. Feldman writes in a way that allows people who even have the most minimal experience with epistemology to understand well, using extremely intuitive examples to demonstrate how theories and perspectives work in effect.

Reading this prepares you for digestion of even more advanced epistemological essays.

[Moderated · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They are less focused on deciding whether there is knowledge or rational belief in specific, actual cases. Thus, for example, it is not the epistemologist’s business to rule on whether it is now reasonable to believe that there is life on other planets. That is primarily the job of astronomers and cosmologists. It is the epistemologist’s business to try to develop a general theory stating the conditions under which people have knowledge and rational beliefs."

[Mason Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Portions of this book, I wanted to give 4 stars. Portions I wanted to give 2. It's expensive, but it is a good introduction to epistemology. I think the first 4 chapters were really good. I thought his analysis of non-evidentialist theories was unclear and even poorly reasoned at points. I may just be a Plantinga fan boy though.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quando entrei na graduação de filosofia esse foi um dos livros recomendados e que mais li para estudar epistemologia. É um bom começo.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible enough as a textbook yet lacks the bullet-pointy summaries to wrap things up at the end of chapters.

[Snowdenwald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the conclusion first for context.

[Daniel Stepke · Rating 2 out of 5]

first, i only read like the first 80 pages or so; second, its good conceptual mapping and an interesting read but not something i would pick up for like love of truth and such

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read a book about epistemology, and this book was required for my Theory of Knowledge class. I think he did a good job of defending the Standard View of knowledge.

[Janne Deventer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heel tof boek. Wim zijn lessen waren op zich al heel duidelijk, maar toch gebruik gemaakt van dit boekje. Kennisleer was een heel leuk vak🤩🤩🤩

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Pryor from NYU recommended Feldman to me as a great intro to the subject. I really appreciated the accessibility and clarity of Feldman's expression. The various positions were up to date with current discussions in the field of epistemology giving the reader immediate access without having to work through the history of epistemology. Moreover the counter arguments were well written and represented some of the prominent voices in epistemological circles.

I recommend this for any under graduate who's wanting to understand the current debate in epistemology.

[Sooho Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucid, thorough, and fair to other views, Richard Feldman's Epistemology is a superb introduction to this field of study. Note: I knew very little about epistemology before starting, and I thought Feldman did an excellent job guiding his readers through the modern canvas. It did take a bit of work in some sections to understand what he was saying or refuting, and some questions do remain, but overall it really is impressive how well he introduced this vexed topic.

[Rohit Harlalka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skepticism is a must in a society which is open to change. Not convinced? read this book.

[Max Pater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basics i.c.o. exam on epistemology

[Rodrigo Medel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best introduction to the relevant problems in epistemology.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent introduction to some of the key features in epistemology.