Perceptual Knowledge Derailed

Author: Schaffer J.¹

Source: Philosophical Studies, Volume 112, Number 1, January 2003 , pp. 31-45(15)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The tracking theory treats knowledge as counterfactual covariation of belief and truth through a sphere of possibilities. I argue that the tracking theory cannot respect perceptual knowledge, because perceptual belief covaries with truth through a discontinuous scatter of possibilities. Perceptual knowledge is subject to inner derailing: there is an inner hollow of perceptual incompetence through which the differences are too small to track. Perceptual knowledge is subject to outer derailing: there are outlying islands of perceptual competence that extend well past skeptical sinkholes.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Philosophy University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA 01003 USA

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