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 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 <!––end––> "A distinguished contributor to the field guides newcomers with characteristically clear and distinct thought and discourse. An excellent introduction." Ernest Sosa, Brown University "Fumerton’s new book is a concise and tightly argued introduction to both the most central issues of epistemology and the leading recent views and arguments pertaining to those issues." Laurence BonJour, University of Washington "In lively and accessible prose, Fumerton presents rival positions fairly and sympathetically while not hiding his own influential views." Richard Feldman, University of Rochester