more from Donald Davidson

Single Idea 8804

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

Full Idea

We must find a reason for supposing most of our beliefs are true that is not a form of evidence.

Gist of Idea

Reasons for beliefs are not the same as evidence

Source

Donald Davidson (Coherence Theory of Truth and Knowledge [1983], p.158)

Book Reference

'Epistemology - An Anthology', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Kim,J. [Blackwell 2000], p.158


A Reaction

This simple observation strikes me as being a key truth in epistemology. It is the same confusion that creates Jackson's Knowledge Argument (Idea 7377) against physicalism (that experiencing red can be thought to be knowledge).

Related Idea

Idea 7377 Mary learns when she sees colour, so her complete physical information had missed something [Jackson]