Single Idea 3270

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / C. External Justification / 8. Social Justification]

Full Idea

Justifications come to an end when we are content to have them end.

Gist of Idea

Justifications come to an end when we want them to

Source

Thomas Nagel (The Absurd [1971], §3)

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'Mortal Questions' [CUP 1981], p.16


A Reaction

This is the correct account, with the vital proviso that where justification comes to an end is usually a social matter. Robinson Crusoe doesn't care whether he 'knows' - he just acts on his beliefs.