Single Idea 8815

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / C. External Justification / 10. Anti External Justification]

Full Idea

External considerations of reliability could not be internalized. Consequently, it is in principle impossible for us to actually employ externalist norms. I take this to be a conclusive refutation of belief externalism.

Clarification

'Norms' are principles guiding actions

Gist of Idea

Belief externalism is false, because external considerations cannot be internalized for actual use

Source

John L. Pollock (Epistemic Norms [1986], 'Ref.of Extern')

Book Reference

'Epistemology - An Anthology', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Kim,J. [Blackwell 2000], p.197


A Reaction

Not so fast. He earlier rejected the 'intellectualist model' (Idea 8813), so he doesn't think norms have to be fully conscious and open to criticism. So they could be innate, or the result of indoctrination (sorry, teaching), or just forgotten.

Related Idea

Idea 8813 If we have to appeal explicitly to epistemic norms, that will produce an infinite regress [Pollock]