Edmund Gettier

Definition

Edmund Gettier was a philosopher who challenged the traditional definition of knowledge in 1963. He proposed a series of thought experiments that demonstrated how a person could have a true, justified belief that does not constitute knowledge, thereby undermining the long-held 'justified true belief' (JTB) theory of knowledge.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gettier's 1963 paper 'Is Justified True Belief Knowledge?' is considered a landmark in the history of epistemology.
2. Gettier presented two thought experiments that demonstrated how a person could have a true, justified belief that does not constitute knowledge.
3. The Gettier problem has led to the development of alternative theories of knowledge, such as reliabilism and virtue epistemology.
4. The Gettier problem has implications for fields beyond philosophy, such as the law, where the distinction between true, justified belief and knowledge is important.
5. The Gettier problem has been the subject of extensive debate and analysis, with philosophers offering various responses and solutions to the challenge it poses to the traditional definition of knowledge.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of the Gettier problem and how it challenges the traditional definition of knowledge.
  • The Gettier problem challenges the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief (JTB) by presenting thought experiments where a person has a true, justified belief that does not constitute knowledge. In these scenarios, the person's belief is true by luck or chance, rather than through a reliable process. This undermines the claim that the belief qualifies as knowledge, even though it meets the three criteria of the JTB definition. The Gettier problem has led to the development of alternative theories of knowledge, such as reliabilism and virtue epistemology, which attempt to address the shortcomings of the traditional definition.
• Analyze the implications of the Gettier problem for fields beyond philosophy, such as the law.
  • The Gettier problem has important implications for fields beyond philosophy, such as the law, where the distinction between true, justified belief and knowledge is crucial. In legal contexts, the determination of whether a person's belief constitutes knowledge can have significant consequences, such as in cases of testimony or evidence. The Gettier problem highlights the difficulty in reliably distinguishing between true, justified beliefs and genuine knowledge, which can impact the fairness and accuracy of legal proceedings. Philosophers and legal scholars have explored the ways in which the Gettier problem and its proposed solutions can inform and improve the legal system's approach to the concept of knowledge.
• Evaluate the various responses and solutions that philosophers have offered to the Gettier problem, and discuss their strengths and limitations.
  • The Gettier problem has sparked extensive debate and analysis among philosophers, who have proposed a range of responses and solutions. Some philosophers have argued for revising the traditional definition of knowledge, such as by incorporating additional criteria beyond justified true belief. Others have advocated for alternative theories, such as reliabilism, which focuses on the reliability of the belief-forming process, or virtue epistemology, which emphasizes the role of intellectual virtues. While these proposed solutions have merit, they also face challenges and criticisms. For example, reliabilism has been criticized for failing to account for cases where a belief is true by luck, and virtue epistemology has been questioned regarding the precise nature and assessment of intellectual virtues. The ongoing debate and the diversity of philosophical approaches to the Gettier problem highlight the complexity and significance of this issue in the field of epistemology.

Related terms

Justified True Belief (JTB): The traditional definition of knowledge, which states that for a belief to count as knowledge, it must be true, the person must be justified in believing it, and the person must believe it.

Gettier Problem:

The philosophical problem raised by Gettier's thought experiments, which show that a belief can be true and justified without constituting knowledge.

Epistemic Luck: The idea that a true belief can be arrived at by chance or luck, rather than through a reliable process, which undermines the claim that the belief constitutes knowledge.