Epistemology

Epistemology is an accessible introduction to a topic of fundamental importance in philosophy. This distinctive book first highlights some of the serious questions about belief and knowledge that arise in real–life situations, then demonstrates the manner in which these questions naturally lead to deeper concerns about evidence, justification, and theories of knowledge.

Combining intriguing examples with careful argument and analysis, Epistemology provides a comprehensive and thought–provoking overview appropriate for anyone new to philosophy.

Preface.

1. Introduction.

2. The Analysis of Knowledge.

3. Epistemic Rationality and its Structure.

4. Traditional (Internalist) Foundationalism.

5. Externalist Versions of Foundationalism.

6. Inferential Justification.

7. Metepistemology and Skepticism.

Bibliography.

Index.

Richard Fumerton is F. Wendell Miller Professor of Philosophy at the University of Iowa.His publications include Metaphysical and Epistemological Problems of Perception (1985), Reason and Morality: A Defense of the Egocentric Perspective (1990), Metaepistemology and Skepticism (1995), and Realism and the Correspondence Theory of Truth (2002).

This book will interest those who teach undergraduate or graduate epistemology, like the idea of using a single–author text, but are unsatisfied with the current options. ( Philosophy In Review)

This book is an accessible introduction from the perspective of a leading epistemologist. It efficiently surveys and appraises recent work in epistemology. Principal positions are fairly presented. The criticism is crisp. Fumerton s position has considerable force, as this book brings out. (Review of Metaphysics)