Perspectives, Questions, and Epistemic Value

In Michela Massimi (ed.), Knowledge From a Human Point of View. Springer Verlag. pp. 87-106 (2019)
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Abstract

Many epistemologists endorse true-belief monism, the thesis that only true beliefs are of fundamental epistemic value. However, this view faces formidable counterexamples. In response to these challenges, we alter the letter, but not the spirit, of true-belief monism. We dub the resulting view “inquisitive truth monism”, which holds that only true answers to relevant questions are of fundamental epistemic value. Which questions are relevant is a function of an inquirer’s perspective, which is characterized by his/her interests, social role, and background assumptions. Using examples of several different scientific practices, we argue that inquisitive truth monism outperforms true-belief monism.

Author Profiles

Jared A. Millson
Rhodes College
Kareem Khalifa
University of California, Los Angeles

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