Single Idea 8832

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / A. Justification Problems / 3. Internal or External / b. Pro-externalism]

Full Idea

If one shares my view that justified belief is, at least roughly, well-formed belief, surely animals and young children can have justified beliefs.

Gist of Idea

If justified beliefs are well-formed beliefs, then animals and young children have them

Source

Alvin I. Goldman (What is Justified Belief? [1976], III)

Book Reference

'Epistemology - An Anthology', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Kim,J. [Blackwell 2000], p.350


A Reaction

I take this to be a key hallmark of the externalist view of knowledge. Personally I think we should tell the animals that they have got true beliefs, but that they aren't bright enough to aspire to 'knowledge'. Be grateful for what you've got.