Epistemology: Classic Problems and Contemporary Responses (Elements of Philosophy)

By Laurence BonJour

Book Overview

In this definitive text, Laurence BonJour introduces the serious philosophy student to the history and concepts of epistemology, while simultaneously challenging them to take an active part in its ongoing debates. The text reflects BonJour's conviction that the place to start any discussion of the theories of knowledge is with the classical problems, beginning with and centered around Descartes. Only after the groundwork for understanding epistemology is laid does BonJour move on to the more contemporary revolutions against the classical approach.

Epistemology: Classic Problems and Contemporary Responses is a versatile text that can be used in introductory-level epistemology courses or, supplemented by appropriate readings, an upper-level epistemology class offered in many philosophy departments. It is not, however, a simple reader of the different theories of knowledge. Epistemology prods students to think independently about the various epistemological approaches presented in the text, and form their own conclusions, thus becoming active participants in the ongoing debate.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0742513726
• ISBN13: 9780742513723
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.9" x 1.1" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Fine Introduction on Epistemic Issues

I relish a capable and brainy reading adventure. I know it seems that much of this world is crazy for fluff. We have an entertainment industry that often provides trifling pieces of unimportant lightweight productions. There are some inane movie stars marketing insipid shows while intermixing irrational worldviews. Yes, that's just entertainment. And human beings ought to have mindless musings and delightful entertainment. Nonetheless, what we need more are potent and thorough informed philosophical literature. In BonJour's Epistemology, here we have "a lucid defense of internalist, Cartesian foundationalism" (Ernest Sosa). Among Chapter Subjects are: - Descartes, - A Priori - the Problem of Induction - Other Minds - Quine - Foundationalism V Coherentism Very few works of Epistemology are intellectually accessible to the philosophically unseasoned. This book is an exception to that rule. This is a thinking man's simple introduction to epistemic issues, problems, and possible solutions. This is a fine read for students with or without an avowed epistemic stance. BonJour does not vigorously enforce his epistemic perspective on the uninformed, but he discusses and as he writes "suggests" thoughtful and satisfactory answers. My own epistemic province is sharply opposed to the author's, nevertheless I luxuriate in informed and earnest and pensive deliberations on truth and knowledge. I'd rather abstain from a sit-com than an outstanding epistemic treatise such as this one BonJour has rendered.

A Good start on Modern Epistemic Issues

Expensive, epistemic expansive, exacting in many aspects, a must for any young student of epistemc studies. You will not agree with all the solutions or even the formulation of the problems, buy you should enjoy reading the book as it will assist you in expanding your understanding of your knowledge pre-committments. Buy this if you are an alert student or one seeking to make epistemology a part of your intellecutal life.

It Usually Begins With Descartes

Laurence BonJour is one of the leading epistemologists in America. He has written two other books, IN DEFENSE OF PURE REASON and THE STRUCTURE OF EMPIRICAL KNOWLEDGE.This book takes as his departure the Cartesian program. Much of the book is a discussion of various epistemological problems analyzed in light of responses to Descartes. (For example, Plato and Aristotle are barely mentioned, and Aquinas isn't mentioned at all.) Many of the current issues in epistemology are discussed, such as foundationalism versus coherentism, and sense-data and adverbial theories of perception. There is a lengthy critique of Quine's "naturalized epistemology."This book is part of a new series called ELEMENTS OF PHILOSOPY, which is edited by Robert Audi. Prof. Audi has written a work entitled EPISTEMOLOGY for a different series. That work is also recommended and covers similar ground as Prof. Bonjour's work, but is a little longer.

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You can get this book delivered to your house for under thirty dollars if you order it directly from the publisher.