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Single Idea 12899

[from 'Elusive Knowledge' by David Lewis, in 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 4. Belief / a. Beliefs ]

Full Idea

I allow knowledge without belief, as in the case of the timid student who knows the answer but has no confidence that he has it right, and so does not believe what he knows.

Gist of Idea

The timid student has knowledge without belief, lacking confidence in their correct answer

Source

David Lewis (Elusive Knowledge [1996], p.429)

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'Papers in Metaphysics and Epistemology' [CUP 1999], p.429


A Reaction

[He cites Woozley 1953 for the timid student] I don't accept this example (since my views on knowledge are rather traditional, I find). Why would the student give that answer if they didn't believe it? Sustained timid correctness never happens.