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Single Idea 2731

[from 'Epistemology: contemporary introduction' by Robert Audi, in 13. Knowledge Criteria / A. Justification Problems / 2. Justification Challenges / a. Agrippa's trilemma ]

Full Idea

There are four possible kinds of epistemic chain: infinite and unanchored, circular and unanchored, anchored in a belief which is not knowledge, and anchored in a belief which is bedrock knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Justification is either unanchored (infinite or circular), or anchored (in knowledge or non-knowledge)

Source

Robert Audi (Epistemology: contemporary introduction [1998], VII p.183)

Book Reference

Audi,Robert: 'Epistemology: a contemporary introduction' [Routledge 1998], p.183


A Reaction

About right, though I don't think 'chain' is the right word for what is proposed if justification is to be coherent. The justifications float like lilies in the pond of reason, and a Self (Monet?) seems needed to assess the picture