Getting accurate about knowledge

Journal article


Carter, Sam and Goldstein, Simon. (2023). Getting accurate about knowledge. Mind. 132(525), pp. 158-191. https://doi.org/10.1093/mind/fzac009
AuthorsCarter, Sam and Goldstein, Simon
Abstract

There is a large literature exploring how accuracy constrains rational degrees of belief. This paper turns to the unexplored question of how accuracy constrains knowledge. We begin by introducing a simple hypothesis: increases in the accuracy of an agent’s evidence never lead to decreases in what the agent knows. We explore various precise formulations of this principle, consider arguments in its favour, and explain how it interacts with different conceptions of evidence and accuracy. As we show, the principle has some noteworthy consequences for the wider theory of knowledge. First, it implies that an agent cannot be justified in believing a set of mutually inconsistent claims. Second, it implies the existence of a kind of epistemic blindspot: it is not possible to know that one’s evidence is misleading.

Year2023
JournalMind
Journal citation132 (525), pp. 158-191
PublisherOxford University Press
ISSN0026-4423
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1093/mind/fzac009
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85167780737
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
Page range158-191
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online14 Jun 2022
Publication process dates
Deposited12 Dec 2023
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