Gettier Problem

Definition

The Gettier problem is a philosophical thought experiment that challenges the traditional definition of knowledge as 'justified true belief'. It demonstrates that there can be situations where an individual has a justified true belief, but it does not constitute genuine knowledge.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gettier problem was introduced in 1963 by the philosopher Edmund Gettier, who presented two counterexamples to the JTB definition of knowledge.
2. Gettier's counterexamples demonstrate that a person can have a justified true belief, but that belief may be true due to factors outside the person's control, rather than the person's justification.
3. The Gettier problem highlights the role of epistemic luck in knowledge acquisition, suggesting that justified true belief is not sufficient for knowledge.
4. The Gettier problem has led to extensive debate and discussion in epistemology, with philosophers proposing various solutions or modifications to the traditional definition of knowledge.
5. The Gettier problem has broader implications for our understanding of the nature of knowledge, the relationship between truth and justification, and the role of luck in knowledge acquisition.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of the Gettier problem and how it challenges the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief.
  • The Gettier problem is a philosophical thought experiment that presents counterexamples to the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief (JTB). Gettier's examples demonstrate that a person can have a belief that is both true and justified, but due to factors outside the person's control, it does not constitute genuine knowledge. This suggests that justified true belief is not sufficient for knowledge, as there can be cases where the belief is true by 'epistemic luck' rather than the person's justification. The Gettier problem has led to extensive debate and discussion in epistemology, challenging philosophers to re-examine the nature of knowledge and the relationship between truth, justification, and luck.
• Analyze how the Gettier problem highlights the role of epistemic luck in knowledge acquisition.
  • The Gettier problem demonstrates that epistemic luck can play a significant role in determining whether a justified true belief constitutes knowledge. In Gettier's counterexamples, the protagonist has a justified true belief, but this belief is true due to factors outside the person's control, rather than the justification itself. This suggests that knowledge is not solely a matter of having a justified true belief, but also requires that the belief be true for the right reasons, rather than by mere chance or luck. The Gettier problem has led philosophers to question the traditional definition of knowledge and consider the importance of the connection between justification and truth in knowledge acquisition, highlighting the role of epistemic luck in this process.
• Evaluate the broader implications of the Gettier problem for our understanding of the nature of knowledge and the relationship between truth, justification, and luck.
  • The Gettier problem has far-reaching implications for our understanding of the nature of knowledge and the relationship between truth, justification, and luck. By presenting counterexamples to the traditional JTB definition of knowledge, the Gettier problem challenges the fundamental assumptions underlying our conception of knowledge. It suggests that knowledge is not simply a matter of having a justified true belief, but rather requires a more nuanced understanding of the connection between justification and truth. The Gettier problem has led philosophers to grapple with questions about the role of luck in knowledge acquisition, the nature of epistemic justification, and the broader epistemological foundations of our understanding of the world. Ultimately, the Gettier problem has been a crucial catalyst for the ongoing evolution of our philosophical understanding of the nature of knowledge and its relationship to truth, justification, and the human experience.

Related terms

Justified True Belief (JTB): The traditional definition of knowledge, which states that for a person to know a proposition, they must believe it, the proposition must be true, and the person must be justified in believing it.

Epistemic Luck: The concept that a true belief can be justified, but due to factors outside the believer's control, it does not constitute knowledge.

Counterexample:

A specific case or scenario that disproves a general claim or principle, such as the traditional definition of knowledge.