Single Idea 1923

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / A. Justification Problems / 1. Justification / b. Need for justification]

Full Idea

True opinion is as good a guide as knowledge for the purpose of acting rightly.

Clarification

'Knowledge' here is the Greek word 'epistemé'

Gist of Idea

As a guide to action, true opinion is as good as knowledge

Source

Plato (Meno [c.376 BCE], 97b)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Protagoras and Meno', ed/tr. Guthrie,W K C [Penguin 1956], p.153


A Reaction

This is the germ of Peirce's epistemology - that knowledge is an interesting theoretical concept, but opinion/belief is what matters, and most needs explanation.