Shannon Balderson

Knowledge''s Value: Internalism and Externalism Shannon Balderson

Is knowledge better than true belief? Socratesthought so. If he was right, and it is better to knowthan to believe, then how is that the case? Knowledgeis generally considered to be some sort of justifiedtrue belief; so, is it justification that makesknowledge somehow better? These questions motivatethis book (specifically whether justification canpossibly account for a value unique to knowledge). The book begins by presenting the justificatorylandscape?in particular, the features of and divisionbetween externalist justification and internalistjustification. The first major challenge, theSwamping Problem, appears to fatally woundexternalism while only damaging internalism. However, it becomes apparent that internalism qua internalismcannot exclusively account for knowledge?s value. Throughout the book, externalism?s importance toepistemology becomes apparent. This invites areconsideration of the value of externalism, and thebook concludes that knowledge?s value can besubstantiated by an appeal to externalistjustification. This analysis can engage those new toepistemology and interest those looking into its future.