An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge by Dan O'brien

An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge by Dan O'brien

An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge guides the reader through the key issues and debates in contemporary epistemology. Lucid, comprehensive and accessible, it is an ideal textbook for students who are new to the subject and for university undergraduates. The book is divided into five parts. Part I discusses the concept of knowledge and distinguishes between different types of knowledge. Part II surveys the sources of knowledge, considering both a priori and a posteriori knowledge. Parts III and IV provide an in-depth discussion of justification and scepticism. The final part of the book examines our alleged knowledge of the past, other minds, morality and God. O'Brien uses engaging examples throughout the book, taking many from literature and the cinema. He explains complex issues, such as those concerning the private language argument, non-conceptual content, and the new riddle of induction, in a clear and accessible way. This textbook is an invaluable guide to contemporary epistemology.

Clear, lively, and based on thorough knowledge of the field, O'Brien's book provides an excellent introductory text in epistemologyChristopher Hookway, University of Sheffield You would have bet against anyone being able to present a concise, rigorous, thoroughly enjoyable introduction not just to all the central areas of epistemology but also to such difficult topics as Wilfrid Sellars' Myth of the Given, Wittgenstein's private language arguments and John McDowell's theory of experience. You would have lost. Dan O'Brien's text is just excellent. The author is an ideal guide through the maze of views that constitutes modern theory of knowledge. Laurence Goldstein, University of Kent

Dan O'Brien, lectures on Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and is an Associate Lecturer for the Open University.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780745633176
ISBN 10	074563317X
Title	An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge
Author	Dan O'brien
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Polity Press
Year published	2006-09-18
Number of pages	224
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.