What Can We Know?: An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge

by Louis P. Pojman

This book analyzes the central topics in epistemology such as truth, justification, and belief. The coverage is comprehensive, ranging from skepticism to religious belief (belief and acceptance). The most comprehensive book in the field, it is written in a friendly, conversational manner without unnecessary philosophical jargon or needless logical symbols.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0534524176
• ISBN13: 9780534524173
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Should you buy the second edition or the first?

A friend asked me whether he should buy the first edition for around $25 or the second for around $1.50. My response is below. I hope this helps anyone making the same decision! Here's what Pojman said about the changes from first to second editions: "I have made the following revisions for this edition: added a section on theories of truth to chapter 1, reversed the order of the two chapters on skepticism (chapters 2 and 3), revised the arguments in chapters 5 and 7 on coherentism, on externalism in chapter 8, and on naturalism in chapter 10. I have also added an introductory 'Word to the Student.' I trust and believe these and other minor improvements have resulted in a better book." (Preface to the 2nd ed., p. xiv) The revised arguments and added section on theories of truth seem like they're important enough to pay the extra money.

A simple and effective introduction

Pojman presents here not a full analysis of epistemology, but rather a general overview. As such, he describes the different schools of thought in terms of their basic defining characteristics. Then he goes on to describe some of the criticisms that have been or could be raised against each approach. Both of these things, Pojman does well.Again, this is not an indepth treatise on the field but a concise and well articulated introduction. For someone new to the field, I would definitely recommend it as a solid starting point. After this book, one should jump into the various collections of "readings in epistemology" of which there are so many.