Applied Epistemology: An Introduction

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Human knowledge is fundamentally social. Most of the processes by which we acquire and evaluate information in everyday life-giving and receiving testimony, identifying experts, and relying on them-involve whole communities of people. The successful use of knowledge to solve problems is thus most often a collective achievement. Likewise, the failure to leverage knowledge is seldom the fault of a single individual.

Beginning each chapter with a real-life example, Applied Epistemology demonstrates how various concepts of knowledge relate to problems arising in practical contexts. From trusting testimony and recognizing experts, to acknowledging bias and resisting propaganda, Applied Epistemology teaches us how to use theories of knowledge to navigate our complex world.

Reviews

"This is an excellent introduction to applied epistemology. By engaging with vivid, real-world cases, Barnes grapples with pressing questions posed by expertise, disagreement, propaganda, artificial intelligence, and more. Highly recommended." Hrishikesh Joshi, The University of Arizona

"An excellent and accessible demonstration of how fundamental problems and theories in epistemology apply to important real-world issues." Michael Veber, East Carolina University

Author Bio

Gordon Barnes is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Brockport.