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.