Epistemology: A Contemporary Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge, 3rd Edition

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Audi does a fantastic job here introducing the concepts and criteria in current philosophical discussions on epistemology. He presents the terms used in contemporary discourse, different positions advocated today,and the limits and benefits of each. Particularly interest to me was his chapter on scientific, moral, and religious knowledge where he explains the limits of each and yet demonstrates that they each have plausible claims in a real sense. Overall, he doesn't push a specific theory, but he does acknowledge that he would advocate a moderate realist position.Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone with some exposure to philosophy and an interest in the theory of knowledge.

Robert Audi is one of the central figures in contemporary epistemology. His thorough introduction to the field is the work of someone who has put much thought into the subject.Simplified, part one covers theories of perception, possible sources of knowledge, and reason. Part two covers inference and theories of the architecture of knowledge, such as foundationalism and coherentism. Part three finally analyzes what knowledge is, the internalism/externalism debate, important types of knowledge (scientific, moral, and religious), and skepticism.Good #1: The book is structured very well. It begins with sources of knowledge, going from there to how knowledge from these sources can be extended by inference and how this knowledge is structured. Next, it analyzes what exactly makes beliefs knowledge by exploring the contemporary debate on justification and how we can have certain other types of knowledge (scientific, moral, and religious). Finally, the book ends by providing and overview and response to epistemological skepticism.Good #2: Audi uses thought experiments that makes the material easier to understand.Good #3: The book can serve as a great reference work after it has been read. He provides definitions and basic principles in epistemology that one can go back to over and over again.Good #4: Audi sums up views he opposes charitably while still managing to disagree with them in a way that you know you're getting an intro to contemporary epistemology instead of an intro to Audi's epistemology.Bad #1: Although much of the book is accessible, Audi's sentences can sometimes be long and tiring. Someone without much background in epistemology may very well get lost among some of the long sentences with multiple commas. This is my only complaint.In short, this book is a great intro to a sometimes daunting subject.

Dr. Audi does a great job in providing a solid groundwork for understanding epistemology; I'd recommend it, as it's super readable and an absolute pleasure. (Also, I really liked that skepticism was handled at the end, after delving into what could provide justification, truth, and knowledge. The book has a great structure.)

Robert Audi has produced an incredibly comprehensive tome regarding epistemology--the theory of knowledge-- here. It is as rich in substance as it is enjoyable to read. Audi covers a multitude of topics that are the focal point of contemporary philosophy and comes out the other end holding firm to a sort of moderate realism--a view that resonates with this reader. Many of the topics and questions that Audi expounds are as follows:-What constitutes justification?-What constitutes knowledge?-Is justification required for one to have knowledge?-How is knowledge obtained through perception?-How is knowledge obtained through memory?-How is knowledge obtained through consciousness?-Is there a priori knowledge?-Which is more tenable, Foundationalism or Coherentism?-Externalism vs Internalism-Does scientific knowledge really constitute knowledge?-Can religious knowledge be obtained?-Does knowledge necessitate certainty?-If our knowledge is fallible does this open the door to skepticism?Audi illuminates quite satisfying answers to these questions and many more. What makes this book so fruitful is Audi's ability to bring difficult topics to the level of the beginner and amateur of philosophy (me!). Many times, in order to expound a theory more clearly, Audi utilizes certain examples and illustrations that advance the reader's comprehension. Sometimes when I had passed a section of the book and had almost forgotten how Audi argued for a specific view in that section I would consider an illustration he expounded and my understanding was re-grounded.This book is the best introduction to epistemology one could ask for. Audi is clear, enlightening, and enjoying. Anyone interested in epistemology must read this book-there is no better an introduction.