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Single Idea 19527

[filed under theme 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 7. Knowledge First ]

Full Idea

When we acquire new evidence in perception, we do not first acquire unknown evidence and then somehow base knowledge on it later. Rather, acquiring new is evidence IS acquiring new knowledge.

Gist of Idea

We don't acquire evidence and then derive some knowledge, because evidence IS knowledge

Source

Timothy Williamson (Knowledge First (and reply) [2014], p.4)

Book Ref

'Contemporary Debates in Epistemology (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Steup/Turri/Sosa [Wiley Blackwell 2014], p.4


A Reaction

This makes his point much better than Idea 19526 does.

Related Ideas

Idea 19526 Surely I am acquainted with physical objects, not with appearances? [Williamson]

Idea 19536 Knowledge-first says your total evidence IS your knowledge [Williamson]


The 11 ideas with the same theme [knowledge is a basic concept, not to be analysed]:

A grasp by the senses is true, because it leaves nothing out, and so nature endorses it [Zeno of Citium, by Cicero]
We can't use our own self to criticise our own capacity for knowledge! [Nietzsche]
Knowledge is beyond question, as an unavoidable component of thinking [Weil]
Don't analyse knowledge; use knowledge to analyse other concepts in epistemology [Williamson, by DeRose]
Knowledge is prior to believing, just as doing is prior to trying to do [Williamson]
We don't acquire evidence and then derive some knowledge, because evidence IS knowledge [Williamson]
Belief explains justification, and knowledge explains belief, so knowledge explains justification [Williamson]
A neutral state of experience, between error and knowledge, is not basic; the successful state is basic [Williamson]
Internalism about mind is an obsolete view, and knowledge-first epistemology develops externalism [Williamson]
Knowledge-first says your total evidence IS your knowledge [Williamson]
Rather than knowledge, our epistemic aim may be mere true belief, or else understanding and wisdom [Dougherty/Rysiew]