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Single Idea 9275

[filed under theme 13. Knowledge Criteria / C. External Justification / 9. Naturalised Epistemology ]

Full Idea

Knowledge does not need minds, or even nervous systems. It is found in all living things.

Gist of Idea

Knowledge does not need minds or nervous systems; it is found in all living things

Source

John Gray (Straw Dogs [2002], 2.10)

Book Ref

Gray,John: 'Straw Dogs' [Granta 2002], p.59


A Reaction

I consider it a misnomer to call such things 'knowledge', for which I have much higher standards. Gray is talking about 'information'. Knowledge needs reasons, and possibility of error, not just anticipatory behaviour.


The 7 ideas from 'Straw Dogs'

Human knowledge may not produce well-being; the examined life may not be worth living [Gray]
Knowledge does not need minds or nervous systems; it is found in all living things [Gray]
The will hardly ever does anything; most of our life just happens to us [Gray]
Without Christianity we lose the idea that human history has a meaning [Gray]
Nowadays we identify the free life with the good life [Gray]
What was our original sin, and how could Christ's suffering redeem it? [Gray]
Over forty percent of the Earth's living tissue is human [Gray]