Being Known

## Abstract The Integration Challenge is the task of reconciling a plausible account of what is involved in the truth of statements of a given kind with a credible account of how we can know those statements, when we do know them. In any domain for which the challenge is difficult, we may revise either our conception of the epistemology of that domain, or our conception of its metaphysics, or both. Successfully meeting the Integration Challenge involves the development of a theory of understanding with both metaphysical and epistemological dimensions. Understanding involves an integrated grasp both of truth conditions, and, via a theory of possession conditions, and of circumstances in which one can come to know that certain of those conditions obtain. Two different models for meeting the Integration Challenge can be developed: the model of constitutive causal sensitivity and the model of implicitly known principles. A model of the first kind is developed for a realistic account of our understanding of past‐tense contents. A model of the second kind is developed for our understanding of contents involving metaphysical necessity; an account that treats modal statements as not mind‐dependent, but not as involving Lewisian modal realism. The Integration Challenge is also addressed for various classical and recent problems of philosophy: the nature of one's knowledge of the contents of one's own mental states; the distinctive nature of first‐person knowledge; and the classical problem of the freedom of the will. Being Known is a response to a philosophical challenge which arises for every area of thought. The challenge is one of reconciling our conception of truth in an area with the means by which we think we come to know truth about that area. Meeting the challenge may require a revision of our conception of truth in that area; or a revision of our theory of knowledge for that area; or a revision in our conception of the relations between the two. Christopher Peacocke presents a framework for addressing the challenge, a framework which links both the theory of knowledge and the theory of truth with the theory of concept-possession. It formulates a set of constraints and a general form of solution for a wide range of topics. He goes on to propose specific solutions within this general form for a series of classically problematic subjects: the past; metaphysical necessity; the intentional contents of our own mental states; the self; and freedom of the will. Being Known will interest anyone concerned with those individual topics, as well as those concerned more generally with meaning and understanding, metaphysics and epistemology, and their interrelations. Being Known Is A Response To A Philosophical Challenge Which Arises For Every Area Of Thought. The Challenge Is One Of Reconciling Our Conception Of Truth In An Area With The Means By Which We Think We Come To Know Truth About That Area. Meeting The Challenge May Require A Revision Of Our Conception Of Truth In That Area, Or A Revision Of Our Theory Of Knowledge For That Area, Or A Revision In Our Conception Of The Relations Between The Two. Christopher Peacocke Presents A Framework For Addressing The Challenge, A Framework That Links Both The Theory Of Knowledge And The Theory Of Truth With The Theory Of Concept-possession. The Integration Challenge -- Truth, Content, And The Epistemic -- The Past -- Necessity -- Self-knowledge And International Content -- Self-knowledge And Illusions Of Transcendence -- Freedom -- Concluding Remarks. Christopher Peacocke. Includes Bibliographical References. Being Known is a response to a philosophical challenge which arises for every area of thought: to reconcile a plausible account of what is involved in the truth of statements in a given area with a credible account of how we can know those statements. Christopher Peacocke offers a deeper understanding of the relations between being and knowing, and a new approach to answering such questions as these: Can you really know about the past; about what you are thinking; about what might be; or whether you are free? Or do we have to give up the idea that you can reach the truth in these areas?

Being Known is a response to a philosophical challenge which arises for every area of thought: to reconcile a plausible account of what is involved in the truth of statements in a given area with a credible account of how we can know those statements. Christopher Peacocke presents a framework for addressing the challenge, a framework which links both the theory of knowledge and the theory of truth with the theory of concept-possession.

Christopher Peacocke examines the problem of knowing whether human beings can really know about the past, about what they are thinking, about what might be and whether freedom is really possible