Contemporary Theories of Knowledge (Studies in Epistemology and Cognitive Theory)

This new edition of the classic Contemporary Theories of Knowledge has been significantly updated to include analyses of the recent literature in epistemology. Rather than merely making slight amendments to the first edition, Pollock and Cruz have undertaken a groundbreaking assessment of twentieth-century epistemology. This book is both an advanced textbook offering traditional discussions of foundationalism, coherentism, and reliabilism and a detailed treatise on the authors' own distinctive view, direct realism. Booknews This book is aimed at both the student of philosophy and the professional philosopher, in that it provides both an introduction to epistemology, but also makes an effort to get at what is true in the field. Pollock (philosophy, U. of Arizona) and Cruz (philosophy, Hampshire College) present first the problems of knowledge, including discussions of the areas of knowledge, and the various theories of knowledge. They then discuss each of the theories of knowledge, such as foundations theories and coherence theories, in greater detail. Chapter five examines epistemic norms and how they are able to regulate our conduct, while the last two chapters deal with methodology and realism respectively. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) This exciting new edition of the classic Contemporary Theories of Knowledge has been significantly updated to include analyses of the recent literature in epistemology. In addition, a new case is made for the strong connection between epistemology and artificial intelligence, as Pollock and Cruz argue that a necessary condition for the correctness of any epistemological theory is that it be possible to build an implemented artificial intelligence system on the basis of it. Like the first edition, Contemporary Theories of Knowledge, Second Edition is an excellent teaching tool, introducing the reader to the fundamental issues and approaches in the field of epistemology. This exciting new edition of the classic Contemporary Theories of Knowledge has been significantly updated to include analyses of the recent literature in epistemology. Rather than merely making slight amendments to the first edition, Pollock and Cruz have undertaken a groundbreaking assessment of twentieth-century epistemology. This book is both an advanced textbook offering traditional discussions of foundationalism, coherentism, and reliabilism and a detailed treatise on the authors' own distinctive view, direct realism. Written in a clear accessible style, this book will be of interest to students of epistemology and to philosophers in general. The Problems of Knowledge Foundations Theories Coherence Theories Externalism Epistemic Norms Epistemology and Rationality Direct Realism