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Single Idea 23559

[filed under theme 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 3. Value of Knowledge ]

Full Idea

Craig's explanation of why we have the concept of knowledge is that it arises from our fundamental need to distinguish good informants.

Gist of Idea

We have the concept of 'knowledge' as a label for good informants

Source

report of Edward Craig (Knowledge and the State of Nature [1990]) by Miranda Fricker - Epistemic Injustice 6.1

Book Ref

Fricker,Miranda: 'Epistemic Injustice' [OUP 2007], p.129


A Reaction

That is, why do we have the label 'knowledge', in addition to 'true belief'? This strikes me as a good explanation which had never occurred to me. Every social group needs to identify members who have some authority in knowledge of various areas of life.


The 8 ideas with the same theme [importance and need for knowledge in humans]:

True opinions only become really valuable when they are tied down by reasons [Plato]
The only real evil is loss of knowledge [Plato]
The most important things in life are wisdom and knowledge [Plato]
Knowledge is not power! Ignorant people possess supreme authority [Schopenhauer]
Most people treat knowledge as a private possession [Nietzsche]
The value and truth of knowledge are measured by success in activity [Dewey]
We have the concept of 'knowledge' as a label for good informants [Craig, by Fricker,M]
Truth is valuable, but someone knowing the truth is more valuable [Zagzebski]