philos p1

• What is virtue epistemology? (3 marks)

  Virtue epistemology definitions of knowledge invoke intellectual virtues, such as being rational and open-minded. For example, virtue epistemology may define knowledge by saying S knows P if:

  1.   P is true

  2.   S believes that P

  3.   S’s belief that P is a result of S successfully using their intellectual virtues.
• What is ability knowledge? (3 marks)

  Ability knowledge, sometimes referred to as ‘knowledge how’, is knowledge of things like skills, movements, and how to perform actions. For example, I have the ability knowledge of how to ride a bike.
• What is reliabilism? (3 marks)

  Reliabilism is a definition of knowledge which says S knows P if:

  1.   P is true

  2.   S believes that P

  3.   S’s belief that P is formed via a reliable method.
• What is infallibilism? (3 marks)

  Infallibilist definitions of knowledge require beliefs to be true and justified in such a way that they are certain and impossible to doubt. For example, if a belief could be false due to sceptical scenarios such as the evil demon, then it would not count as knowledge according to infallibilism.