Justification and the Truth-Connection

by Clayton Littlejohn

Overview

The internalism-externalism debate is one of the oldest debates in epistemology. Internalists assert that the justification of our beliefs can only depend on facts internal to us, while externalists insist that justification can depend on additional, for example environmental, factors. In this book Clayton Littlejohn proposes and defends a new strategy for resolving this debate. Focussing on the connections between practical and theoretical reason, he explores the question of whether the priority of the good to the right (in ethics) might be used to defend an epistemological version of consequentialism, and proceeds to formulate a new 'deontological externalist' view. His discussion is rich with insights and will be valuable for a wide range of readers in epistemology, ethics and practical reason.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781139508117
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/07/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	604 KB

About the Author

Clayton Littlejohn is a Lecturer in Philosophy at King's College London. He has published a number of articles on epistemology and ethical theory in journals including the Journal of Philosophy and American Philosophical Quarterly.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Epistemic value; 3. Reasons for belief (I); 4. Reasons for belief (II); 5. Assertion; 6. Action; 7. Justification.

Editorial Reviews

"In this book Clayton Littlejohn defends the unorthodox view that there are no justified false beliefs. But his book will be a must-read for anyone, orthodox or not, who is interested in the theory of justification, and in epistemic normativity more generally. I cannot say whether his view will win the day; but I can say that his arguments will be a core part of the debate going forward."
—Sanford Goldberg, Northwestern University


"This is an up-to-date and accessible treatment of core areas of concern in contemporary epistemology. Highly recommended."
—Trent Dougherty, Baylor University


"...Littlejohn’s book hence is a work of contemporary epistemology that engages deeply with a range of concerns in value theory."
—Robert Talisse, New Books in Philosophy

From the Publisher