Epistemology: Classic Problems and Contemporary Responses

In Epistemology, Laurence Bonjour introduces the serious philosophy student to the history and concepts of epistemology, while simultaneously challenging them to take an active part in its ongoing debates. The text reflects BonJour's conviction that the place to start any discussion of the theories of knowledge is with the classical problems, beginning with and centered around Descartes. Only after the groundwork for understanding epistemology is laid does BonJour move on to the more contemporary revolutions against the classical approach. A versatile text that can be used in introductory-level epistemology courses, it can also be used by an upper-level epistemology class when supplemented by appropriate readings. This book is not, however, a simple reader of the different theories of knowledge. Epistemology prods students to think independently about the various epistemological approaches presented in the text, and form their own conclusions, thus becoming active participants in the ongoing debate.

In Epistemology, Laurence Bonjour introduces the serious philosophy student to the history and concepts of epistemology, while simultaneously challenging them to take an active part in its ongoing debates. The text reflects BonJour's conviction that the place to start any discussion of the theories of knowledge is with the classical problems, beginning with and centered around Descartes.

Booknews

BonJour (philosophy, U. of Washington) presents an undergraduate textbook introducing students with some background in philosophy to epistemology. He begins with a discussion of classical problems approached from an essentially Cartesian perspective, in order to prepare readers for the anti-Cartesian revolts to follow. The text attempts to follow a dialectic approach, in which arguments are followed by responses and still further arguments. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Laurence BonJour is professor of philosophy at the University of Washington in Seattle. He is author of numerous articles and author or editor of several books, including Philosophical Problems: An Annotated Anthology (co-edited, Pearson Longman), Epistemic Justification: Internalism vs. Externalism, Foundations vs. Virtues (co-authored, Oxford University Press), In Defense of Pure Reason (Cambridge University Press), and The Structure of Empirical Knowledge (Harvard University Press).