PHLA10H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Reliability Engineering, Empirical Evidence
Document Summary
The reliability theory of knowledge: descartes claims that knowledge is internally certifiable. If i know proposition p - there exists an argument that shows p is true, whose premises are either a priori true, or knowable through introspection. I believe that there is a page in front of me. My belief that there is a page in front of me, is clear and distinct. Objective conclusion - makes a claim outside of the subject"s mind. In other words, the relationship between s and their environment gives no reason not to believe that there is a page in front of them (all causes of doubt are hypothetical) Note: the reliability theory of knowledge depends on the concepts of impossibility and necessity. Logically necessary - joe can"t be a married bachelor ; has to be true by virtue of definition/logic. Nomologically necessary - joe can"t go faster than the speed of light ; true by virtue of the laws of nature.
