The Theory of Knowledge: A Jargon-Free Guide to Epistemology

by Doug Erlandson

How Do We Know What We Know?An Introduction to the Major Theories of EpistemologyIn The Theory of Knowledge A Jargon-Free Guide to Epistemology, Dr. Doug Erlandson provides a straightforward and easy-to-understand overview of the area of philosophy that deals with the concept of knowledge. Drawing on the thought of philosophers past and present, Erlandson examines and evaluates their views in a lively and engaging manner.

The Theory of Knowledge Answers These QuestionsWhat is knowledge?Can I really know anything?Where does knowledge come from?What's the relation between the mind and the world?How do I know that other minds exist?˃˃˃ Suitable as a classroom text and for independent studyThe Theory of Knowledge is a basic introduction to epistemology and presupposes no prior familiarity with philosophical thought. It is suited for introductory philosophy classes and for independent study.

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Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2013

About the author

Doug Erlandson was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1946. He received his B.A. from Wheaton College (Ill.) and his doctorate in philosophy from Johns Hopkins University. Doug was an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln 1972-1980 and since 1994 has been an adjunct instructor of philosophy at Southeast Community College in Lincoln.

Doug is the author of 19 books, including the popular Kindle book, How to Think Clearly: A Guide to Critical Thinking; the Jargon-Free Guide Series, including Philosophy Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide for Beginners; Faith Reborn; Spiritual Anorexia: How Contemporary Worship is Starving the Church; Godly Contentment: Kingdom Living in an Age of Economic and Social Uncertainty.

Doug and his wife are co-owners of the online candy store Licorice International, which is located in the Historic Haymarket District in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Ekaete · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are new to the philosophical topic of epistemology (aka the study of knowledge), this is the book for you. In it, accomplished philosophy professor and author Doug Erlandson gives a relatively short introduction to the topic that is palatable for those who are newbies to epistemology, making it clear, from the jump, that he is intentionally avoiding (possibly interesting) segues that could easily veer off from the main objective of the book.

Erlandson beings by exploring three types of knowledge: "knowing that," "knowing how," and personal knowledge. From there, he discusses the philosophical implications of those moments in which we thought we knew something but actually did not. He introduces and explains various schools of thought regarding epistemology: rationalism, skepticism, and empiricism just to name a few. He then expounds on how various philosophers claim to justify their knowledge or belief and explores where knowledge comes from.

In the chapter "What is Truth," he introduces the correspondence theory, the coherence theory, and the pragmatic theory as means by which philosophers make truth claims.

In exploring if other minds exist, Erlandson introduces some thought-provoking scenarios that I had not considered before, one noteworthy one being how someone can be born with an inverted color spectrum, how this person and I can look at the same color and call it its appropriate name, but the way the person and I experience both colors are completely different.

He concludes the book by introducing and discussing a never ending question in the field of philosophy: "are the mind and the brain identical?"

I truly enjoyed this book and appreciated how, for a topic as heavy as epistemology, it was not so confusing that I ended up lost or uninterested. There were times I had to reread certain portions of the text to really grasp what was being said. But that is philosophy for ya.

I appreciate that Erlandson defined very clearly each concept and showed the shortcomings of nearly all of them. It made me appreciate knowing the strengths of various schools of thought and how I can use them to better understand my reality, other's reality, and the world around me.

[Nick B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I'll go back and read the whole thing. Honestly, I was expecting something that didn't immediately go off into needing to have a solid background in Philosophy, Psychology or Critical Thinking. Jargon-free or not, the first few chapters were confusing and didn't appear to prepare the reader to get their heads wrapped around the subject-matter. This is certainly not a "sit down and casual read/learn" book. I find the concepts of Epistemology intriguing, but apparently I picked the wrong book to start with. Again, maybe I'll give it another chance when I have a few other reads under my belt.

[Ahn, Hang San · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to epistemology!

I really appreciate the author’s efforts to write a book so readable and clear as this. I feel much more confident now with the terms and questions of epistemology. The author does introduce philosophical terms (jargon), but only to help the reader grasp the contents more easily..

[sam mcconnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, informative and interesting

A great overview of epistemology. Simple examples are used to bridge the gap of understanding for the novice philosopher while moving quick enough to keep one engaged.

[david allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fair introduction

To some philosophical ideas. Would be a good read for a high school student, or someone about to enter college. Perhaps even for someone giving instruction to either of those groups.

[Brittany Ferraro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot from the book but I wish it had a recap or some sort of ending that ties it all together. It ends rather abruptly.

[Stephie Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an easy to read introduction to Epistemology. Erlandson does deliver his intended objective, although I wouldn't call it completely jargon-free. After all, how can you avoid certain terms. I like the way he presented the different views of philosophers to the different aspect to the topic without saying which would be his preferred way; thus he leaves it up to the reader. The book covers a number of different areas of epistemology, such as, how we know, what is knowledge, justification, the external world, truth, other minds, and the mind/body problem.

If this would be your first book on the subject, it should reward you. If you have read about it previously, there still might be some valuable nuggets to obtain. If you have study this area of philosophy in depth, it is probably not for you.

[Cliff Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clear, unbiased, and thorough introduction to the fundamental problems and theories of knowledge. The author does an excellent job of precisely defining any technical terms he uses and also of fairly presenting the alternative approaches to each problem. He also points out what philosophers and books to seek out for further study. Definitely enjoyed it and looking forward to reading more by this author.