Midterm Review--Theory of Knowledge
Bring a blue book (any size). The test will be closed book and closed notes.
Part I: Vocabulary Terms 15 points
You will be given 5 to 8 of these terms and asked to give: A) a short (one sentence) definition, B) A relevant example of the term, C) the relevant philosopher (if there is one) for the term.
Dream Hypothesis
Evil Demon skepticism
a priori demon
a posteriori demon
foundationalism
coherentism
justification
truth
pragmatism
correspondence theory
counter example
externalism
internalism
methodism
realism (concerning knowledge)
matters of fact
relations between ideas
causal relationships
fallibilism
existential generalization
reference
vat-English
defeasibility
primary qualities
secondary qualities
direct realism
realism (about truth)
anti-realism (about truth)
indirect realism
introspectionism
anti-introspectionism
phenomenalism
introspectionism
Part II: Identify the Author 10 points
You will be given a list of quotes from philosophers we have studied so far and asked to identify who wrote it. They are:
Descartes
Locke
Berkeley
Hume
Putnam
Carnap
Gettier
Feldman
Goldman
Lehrer and Paxson
Moore
Part III: Essay Questions 75 points
You will be given 4 of these questions and asked to answer 3 of them. Since the section is worth the most points, you should focus most of your time here. The best answers will be careful and thorough.
1. Cartesian evil demon skepticism presents a specific kind of challenge to the view that we have knowledge. What knowledge does it cast doubt on, and what does it reveal about Descartes’ epistemological presumptions and method?
2. What are Nisbett and Wilson’s central conclusions? Outline their argument and some of the most significant evidence they give in its favor. What does the research in empirical psychology suggest about some popular Cartesian assumptions about self knowledge?
3. G.E. Moore presents an absurd or brilliant answer to radical skepticism. What is that answer? Is it absurd or brilliant? Why?
4. According to Locke, why can't secondary qualities inhere in matter?
5. Why, according to Berkeley, can't primary qualities inhere in matter? That is, why can't primary qualities have a mind-independent existence?
6. What substantial problems (if any) do you see with Putnam’s solution to Brain in a Vat skepticism? If you believe his solution is successful, consider and reject objections.
7. What can we say in answer to external questions, according to Carnap? What implication does this view have for skeptical challenges? On what criteria do we adopt or modify a linguistic system?
8. What does Gettier think his counterexamples show about the classic analysis of knowledge?
9. How does Godlman’s proposal solve Gettier style objections to the classic account of knowledge?
10. What are the major challenges to a Goldman style approach to solving the Gettier problem?
11. According to Feldman, does requiring true propositions in one's justification solve the Gettier problem? Why or why not?
12. How does modern foundationalism like the version endorsed by Audi differ from classic versions like Descartes? Do these changes make the theory a better account of human knowledge? Explain why.
13. Schwitzgebel also gives an argument for anti-introspectionism. How does his approach differ from Nisbett and Wilson’s? Summarize Schwitzgebel’s central reasons. Give a clear statement of his conclusion and the argument.