The A Priori without Magic

by Jared Warren

Overview

The distinction between the a priori and the a posteriori is an old and influential one. But both the distinction itself and the crucial notion of a priori knowledge face powerful philosophical challenges. Many philosophers worry that accepting the a priori is tantamount to accepting epistemic magic. In contrast, this Element argues that the a priori can be formulated clearly, made respectable, and used to do important epistemological work. The author's conception of the a priori and its role falls short of what some historical proponents of the notion may have hoped for, but it allows us to accept and use the notion without abandoning either naturalism or empiricism, broadly understood. This Element argues that we can accept and use the a priori without magic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009034913
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/13/2022
Series:	Elements in Epistemology
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; 1. Epistemic Evaluation; 2. Characterizing the A Priori; 3. A Priori Through Innateness; 4. Against Rationalism; 5. A Theory of the A Priori; 6. Challenge Cases; 7. Defending Robust A Priori; 8. A Priori in the Epistemological Joints; 9. The Nature of Epistemology; References.