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Single Idea 3564

[from 'Problems of Knowledge' by Michael Williams, in 13. Knowledge Criteria / A. Justification Problems / 1. Justification / a. Justification issues ]

Full Idea

What exactly is supposed to be 'justified': a person's believing some particular proposition, or the proposition that he believes?

Gist of Idea

Is it people who are justified, or propositions?

Source

Michael Williams (Problems of Knowledge [2001], Ch. 1)

Book Reference

Williams,Michael: 'Problems of Knowledge' [OUP 2001], p.21


A Reaction

A key distinction. See my comment on Idea 3752. What would justify a sign saying 'treasure buried here'? People can be justified in believing falsehoods. How could a false proposition be justified?

Related Idea

Idea 3752 Justification can be of the belief, or of the person holding the belief [Bernecker/Dretske]