Single Idea 3701

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / C. External Justification / 1. External Justification]

Full Idea

An externalist theory of epistemic justification or warrant need not involve the possession by the believer of anything like a reason for thinking that their belief is true.

Gist of Idea

Externalist theories of justification don't require believers to have reasons for their beliefs

Source

Laurence Bonjour (In Defence of Pure Reason [1998], §3.7)

Book Reference

Bonjour,Laurence: 'In Defense of Pure Reason' [CUP 1998], p.96


A Reaction

That is the problem with externalism. If the believer does not have a reason, then why would they believe? Externalists are interesting on justification, but daft about belief. Why do I believe I know something, when I can't recall how I learnt it?