Problems in Epistemology and Metaphysics: An Introduction to Contemporary Debates

by Steven B. Cowan

Overview

Problems in Epistemology and Metaphysics takes a pro and con approach to two central philosophical topics.

Each chapter begins with a question: Can We Have Knowledge? How are Beliefs Justified? What is the mind? Contemporary philosophers with opposing viewpoints are then paired together to argue their position and raise problems with conflicting standpoints. Alongside an up-to-date introduction to a core philosophical stance, each contributor provides a critical response to their opponent and clear explanation of their view.

Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter to guide further discussion.

With chapters covering core questions surrounding religious beliefs, scientific knowledge, truth, being and reality, this is a comprehensive introduction to debates lying at the heart of what we know, how we know it and the nature of the world we live in.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350016064
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/06/2020
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.84(d)

About the Author

Steven B. Cowan is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion and Director of the Philosophy and Religion Program at Lincoln Memorial University, USA.

Table of Contents

List of Contributors viii

Acknowledgments xiv

Introduction Steven B. Cowan 1

Part 1 Problems in Epistemology

Introduction to Part One Steven B. Cowan 17

1 Can We Have Knowledge? 26

We Can Know Michael Huetner 26

We Can't Know Markus Lammenranta 38

Responses 52

Lammenranta's Response to Huemer 52

Huemer's Response to Lammenranta 56

2 How Are Beliefs Justified? 61

Beliefs Can Be justified by Experience Daniel Howard-Snyder 61

Beliefs Are Justified by Coherence Kevin McCain Ted Poston 72

Responses 86

McCain's and Poston's Response to Howard-Snyder 86

Howard-Snyder's Response to McCain and Poston 90

3 Must the Grounds of Knowledge Be Accessible to the Knower? 95

The Grounds of Knowledge Must Be Accessible Ali Hasan 95

The Grounds of Knowledge Need Not Be Accessible Stephen Hetherington 107

Responses 119

Hetherington's Response to Hasan 119

Hasan's Response to Hetherington 123

4 Do Religious Beliefs Require Evidence? 127

Religious Beliefs Require Evidence Trent Dougherty 127

Religious Beliefs Do Not Require Evidence Thomas D. Senor 139

Responses 150

Senor's Response to Dougherty 150

Dougherty's Response to Senor 154

5 Can Science Discover the Truth about Reality? 158

Science Discovers the Truth about Reality Stathis Psillos 158

Science Does Not Discover the Truth about Reality Darrell P. Rowbottom 170

Responses 181

Rowbottom's Response to Psillos 181

Psillos's Response to Rowbottom 185

6 Are Scientific Explanations Limited to Natural Causes? 190

Scientific Explanations Are Limited to Natural Causes Robert C. Bishop 190

Scientific Explanations Are Not Limited to Natural Causes Bruce L. Gordon 202

Responses 221

Gordon's Response to Bishop 221

Bishop's Response to Gordon 227

Essay Suggestions 233

For Further Reading 235

Part 2 Problems in Metaphysics

Introduction to Part Two Steven B. Cowan 239

7 Are There Universal? 247

There Are Universals Paul M. Gould 247

There Are No Universals Guido Imaguire 259

Responses 273

Imaguire's Response to Gould 273

Gould's Response to Imaguire 276

8 What Is the Mind? 282

The Mind Is Material Andrew Melnyk 282

The Mind Is Immaterial Charles Taliaferro 293

Responses 307

Taliaferro's Response to Melnyk 307

Melnyk's Response to Taliaferro 311

9 Is Free Will Compatible with Determinism? 316

Freedom Is Not Compatible with Determinism Christopher Evan Franklin 316

Freedom Is Compatible with Determinism Steven B. Cowan 327

Responses 341

Cowan's Response to Franklin 341

Franklin's Response to Cowan 345

10 Does God Exist? 350

God Exists Joshua Rasmussen 350

God Does Not Exist Bruce Russell 363

Responses 374

Russell's Response to Rasmussen 374

Rasmussen's Response to Russell 379

Essay Suggestions 385

For Further Reading 386

Index 389

Editorial Reviews

Cowan's text is a one-stop shop for introductory philosophy instructors and students, featuring both excerpts from classic philosophical texts and contemporary discussions which will bring students up to speed on the current state of each debate. This unique format reinforces for readers the fact that to study philosophy is to enter into a conversation as long as human history itself.” —James S. Spiegel, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Taylor University, USA

“Epistemology and Metaphysics are the spinal cord of current analytic philosophy: distinct but not divided. So it's a great idea of Steve Cowan's to arrange a team of philosophers to hold critical conversations on these main topics. He has assembled an interesting team of philosophers, some well-known, others new, and their efforts will enlighten many students.” —Paul Helm, Emeritus Professor of the History and Philosophy of Religion, King's College London, UK

From the Publisher