Single Idea 23552

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / C. External Justification / 7. Testimony]

Full Idea

A person should receive the word of his interlocutor in the light of the probability that someone like that would (be able and willing to) to tell someone like him the truth about something like this in circumstances like these.

Gist of Idea

We assess testimonial probabilities by the speaker, the listener, the facts, and the circumstances

Source

Miranda Fricker (Epistemic Injustice [2007], 3.2)

Book Reference

Fricker,Miranda: 'Epistemic Injustice' [OUP 2007], p.71


A Reaction

That's a pretty good summary of the rational response to testimony. I can't think of any other factors.

Related Idea

Idea 23553 Testimonial judgement is not logical, but produces reasons and motivations [Fricker,M]