What is this thing called Knowledge? [Paperback]

Duncan Pritchard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 22, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0415387981 | ISBN-13: 978-0415387989 | Edition: New edition

What is Knowledge? Where does it come from? Can we know anything at all? This lucid and engaging introduction grapples with these central questions in the theory of knowledge, offering a clear, non-partisan view of the main themes of epistemology including recent developments such as virtue epistemology and contextualism.

Duncan Pritchard discusses traditional issues and contemporary ideas in thirteen easily digestible sections, including:

• the value of knowledge
• the structure of knowledge
• virtues and faculties
• perception
• testimony and memory
• induction
• scepticism.

What is this thing called Knowledge? contains many helpful student-friendly features including study questions, annotated further reading, a glossary and a guide to web resources. Clear and interesting examples are used throughout.  This is an ideal first textbook in the theory of knowledge for undergraduates taking a first course in philosophy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A valuable addition...A book that sets things out in a clear and elementary way, while still covering the ground properly.' Finn Spicer, University of Bristol, UK

'Clearly laid out, well organized and written by a true expert.' Michael Lynch, University of Connecticut, USA

About the Author

Duncan Pritchard is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Stirling, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; New edition edition (November 22, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415387981
• ISBN-13: 978-0415387989
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,147,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to Epistemology, September 6, 2008

By 

A. Bolos (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What is this thing called Knowledge? (Paperback)

Pritchard's book attempts to lay out and explain epistemology in a very simple manner. At this, he succeeds. At the end of each chapter, Pritchard details in summary form what he discussed in the previous chapter. The chapters are so well summarized, you could almost read the summaries and not read the actual chapters.

If you know little about epistemology, this is the best place to start. It is so clear, concise, and readable that you'll wonder why more philosophers don't adopt a similar writing style.

If you have some background in epistemology, perhaps Audi's "Epistemology: A Contemporary Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge" might be a better choice.

However, if you're just getting started, or need a quick refresher, Pritchard's book is essential.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what the Undergraduates need!, November 11, 2009

By 

Daisy Bates "Plotless" (Sydney Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What is this thing called Knowledge? (Paperback)

This is an excellent text, especially for Undergrads just beginning the process of exploration of epistemology and covering the 'basics' in the 'Anglo-American' philosophical tradition.