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Kornblith versus Sosa on grades of knowledge
J Adam Carter1, Robin McKenna2
11Department of Philosophy, University of Glasgow, 67 Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8LP Scotland, UK.
Synthese
|December 10, 2019
Summary
This paper defends Ernest Sosa's "bi-level" epistemology, which posits two grades of knowledge: animal and reflective. It evaluates criticisms from Kornblith, arguing Sosa can adequately address these challenges.
Area of Science:
- Epistemology
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Ernest Sosa's influential work proposes a "bi-level" epistemology, distinguishing between animal and reflective knowledge.
- Hillary Kornblith has persistently critiqued Sosa's framework, questioning the bifurcation of knowledge into these two grades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically outline and critically evaluate Kornblith's objections to Sosa's bi-level epistemology.
- To assess the viability of Sosa's theoretical resources in responding to these criticisms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Sosa's and Kornblith's published works on epistemology.
- Philosophical argumentation and critical evaluation of existing theories.
Main Results:
- Kornblith's criticisms raise significant exegetical and substantive challenges to Sosa's bi-level epistemology.
- Despite the challenges, Sosa possesses adequate philosophical resources to effectively respond to Kornblith's objections.
Conclusions:
- The paper offers a qualified defense of Sosa's bi-level epistemology.
- Sosa's framework remains a robust and defensible account of knowledge, capable of withstanding critical scrutiny.
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