Single Idea 19531

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 7. Knowledge First]

Full Idea

A postulated underlying layer of narrow mental states is a myth, whose plausibility derives from a comfortingly familiar but obsolescent philosophy of mind. Knowledge-first epistemology is a further step in the development of externalism.

Gist of Idea

Internalism about mind is an obsolete view, and knowledge-first epistemology develops externalism

Source

Timothy Williamson (Knowledge First (and reply) [2014], p.6)

Book Reference

'Contemporary Debates in Epistemology (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Steup/Turri/Sosa [Wiley Blackwell 2014], p.6


A Reaction

Williamson is a real bruiser, isn't he? I don't take internalism about mind to be obsolescent at all, but now I feel so inferior for clinging to such an 'obsolescent' belief. ...But then I cling to Aristotle, who is (no doubt) an obsolete philosopher.

Related Idea

Idea 6641 Externalists say minds depend on environment for their very existence and identity [Lowe]