Single Idea 4065

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / C. External Justification / 1. External Justification]

Full Idea

It is controversial whether knowledge is a state of mind, or a composite state involving a thought about something, plus its existence.

Gist of Idea

Is knowledge just a state of mind, or does it also involve the existence of external things?

Source

Tim Crane (Elements of Mind [2001], 1.5)

Book Reference

Crane,Tim: 'Elements of Mind' [OUP 2001], p.18


A Reaction

Pinpoints the internalism/externalism problem. Knowledge is a special type of belief (but maybe belief with external links!). Tricky. I vote for internalism.