Some Problems about Knowledge

Abstract

The reader who is unacquainted with philosophical speculation about knowledge might well think that a discussion of the nature of knowledge should start by giving a clear indication of what it is, and this expectation might well be expressed by asking for a definition of knowledge. Surely, it might be said, before we can profitably consider and assess rival theories about knowledge, it would be appropriate to begin with a definition which might bring out the essential features of knowledge and enable us to distinguish it from related notions with which it might be confused. There are, however, several reasons why this natural expectation must remain unsatisfied.