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Metaepistemology and Skepticism

Understanding the Internalism-Externalism Debate in Epistemology

Richard A Fumerton author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Rowman & Littlefield

Published:21st Nov '95

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Metaepistemology and Skepticism cover

This insightful book, Metaepistemology and Skepticism, explores the internalism-externalism debate and its implications for skepticism in contemporary epistemology.

In Metaepistemology and Skepticism, Richard Fumerton delves into the intricate debate between internalism and externalism within contemporary epistemology. He examines how these two perspectives relate to traditional skeptical concerns, highlighting the philosophical significance of understanding their implications. Fumerton argues that a foundationalism based on acquaintance can provide valuable insights, suggesting that a deeper grasp of these concepts can illuminate our approach to skepticism.

Fumerton takes a critical stance against the externalist response to skepticism, positing that it often oversimplifies the complexities involved. He defends a version of internalism, which he believes offers a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. By doing so, he reveals the stark contrast between the various approaches to skepticism that arise from differing metaepistemological views. This exploration emphasizes the necessity of a careful examination of the foundational beliefs that underpin our epistemological frameworks.

Ultimately, Metaepistemology and Skepticism encourages readers to reconsider their positions on knowledge and belief. It invites a re-evaluation of how we confront skepticism in light of the internalism-externalism debate, asserting that a more profound understanding of these philosophical positions can lead to a more robust epistemological foundation. Fumerton's work challenges us to engage with these ideas thoughtfully, providing a rich context for ongoing discussions in epistemology.

I know of no other discussion of skepticism and its relation to the externalist/internalist debate that is as powerful and subtle as Fumerton's. -- Richard Foley
Metaepistemology and Skepticism offers both a powerful defense of skepticism and a highly sophisticated and detailed tour through contemporary epistemology. Anyone interested in these matters will profit from a careful study of this fine book. -- Jonathan Dancy, University of Reading
. . . a very insightful and dialectically sophisticated piece of work that sheds a great deal of light on recent epistemological controversies and their relation to skepticism. I have learned a great deal from reading this book and expect to return to it often. -- Laurence Bonjour, University of Washington

ISBN: 9780847681075

Dimensions: 227mm x 149mm x 19mm

Weight: 363g

320 pages