Coherence, Circularity and Consistency: Lehrer Replies

Abstract

The essays in this volume on my epistemology are a testimony to the way in which first rate philosophers have involved themselves with my published work in the theory of knowledge stretching over four decades. It is extremely gratifying to me, for the contributors to this volume are among the most talented philosophers of the present day. The contributors to this volume have concentrated on both the general coherence theory I have presented and the analytical details of it. Though they often disagree with the theory and raise objections to it, sometimes in a quite critical manner. I consider their careful examination of the theory as an important contribution to the study of what I have done. Where they disagree most avidly is where I suspect from my own study of the history of philosophy, especially the criticism of Reid against Hume, I have probably made the most important contribution to epistemology even if they are successful in refuting what I have written. Moreover, if they are definitive in their refutation, I shall claim part of the credit in formulating a theory with sufficient clarity and precision so that it admits of definitive refutation. Having expressed my admiration, my genuine admiration, for the philosophical acumen of my critics, I do wish to reply to what they have said. I hope that I shall reply fairly and do justice to their insights. I am afraid that in the fray of debate, it is difficult to decide whether one has been fair or not, but I shall do my best.