what would you talk about in an essay entitled…
outline and illustrate the role of justification in distinguishing between knowledge and true belief?
Hi,
Suggested reading:
Plato’s “Meno”
Edmund Gettier’s “Is Justified True Belief Knowledge?”
A widely accepted (although slightly revised by Gettier) definition of knowledge is that it is a justified true belief. If someone claims to have knowledge it must fulfil these three criteria; 1) it must be true 2) they must believe it is true 3) and they must be justified in that belief.
I’d choose different examples of a person holding a true belief but not being justified in his belief, which is essentialy the topic you are discussing. E.g. I may belief Unicorns exist, and it may well be true, but we wouldn’t consider that knowledge because I am not justified in that belief.
You can delve into the meanings of the words “true” and “belief” and whether we can ever have knowledge of something that we believe is false etc. There’s lots of different avenues to explore. Your best bet is to read the sources I gave above. My waffle is nothing in comparison.
- ben
outline and illustrate the role of justification in distinguishing between knowledge and true belief?
Use the current debate of gay marriage. Justification for not allowing such a thing, or establishment of legislation to prevent it lies in true belief (i.e. belief in the bible). People base thier decision on something they truly believe in.
This belief, however, has no basis in fact or Knowledge.