An Introduction to the Philosophy of Knowledge
Edition: 2Rev Ed edition
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: March 27, 1997
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 288
ISBN-13: 9780333691854
Subjects: Epistemology, theory of knowledge; Western philosophy
Description: This is a short account of the philosophy of knowledge written as an introduction for those wishing to read philosophy. It should serve as a basis for further study but it is also suitable for the general reader who wishes for some idea of the subject.

The first chapter examines the nature of philosophy and suggests that since it is concerned with developing our understanding through critical appraisal, it has practical uses as well as intellectual appeal. Two examples of philosophical writing are discussed: one from Plato and one from the Oxford philosopher J. L. Austin.

In subsequent chapters various approaches to the problem of knowledge are introduced. The philosophical ideas of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant are discussed and compared, with explanations and analyses of relevant extracts from their writings. Lastly, the views of two twentieth-century philosophers - A. J. Ayer and Norman Malcolm - on perception, knowledge and belief, are considered.

The concluding chapter summarises the differing treatments and assesses the way they help to clarify our ideas about knowledge and the possibility of knowledge. The text assumes no prior knowledge of philosophical terms and the few that are introduced are explained in the text and also in the accompanying glossary.