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Full Idea
Accuracy of response to stimulus does not alone show knowledge, but must be reinforced by appropriateness, i.e. suitability of realising one's purpose.
Gist of Idea
Knowledge needs more than a sensitive response; the response must also be appropriate
Source
Bertrand Russell (The Analysis of Mind [1921], p.261), quoted by Michael Potter - The Rise of Analytic Philosophy 1879-1930 66 'Rel'
Book Ref
Potter,Michael: 'The Rise of Anaytic Philosophy 1879-1930' [Routledge 2020], p.430
A Reaction
The aim of 'realising one's purpose' puts a very pragmatist spin on this. The point is a good one, and seems to apply particularly to Nozick's accurate 'tracking' account of knowledge.
Related Idea
Idea 22325 A belief is knowledge if it is true, certain and obtained by a reliable process [Ramsey]
6417 | In 1921 Russell abandoned sense-data, and the gap between sensation and object [Russell, by Grayling] |
6474 | Seeing is not in itself knowledge, but is separate from what is seen, such as a patch of colour [Russell] |
6476 | We cannot assume that the subject actually exists, so we cannot distinguish sensations from sense-data [Russell] |
6475 | In perception, the self is just a logical fiction demanded by grammar [Russell] |
2792 | It is possible the world came into existence five minutes ago, complete with false memories [Russell] |
22326 | Knowledge needs more than a sensitive response; the response must also be appropriate [Russell] |