Knowledge as justified true belief

Definition

Knowledge as justified true belief is a philosophical concept that defines knowledge as a belief that is both true and justified by evidence or reasoning. This idea suggests that for someone to claim they know something, it must not only be true, but the person must also have good reasons or evidence to support that belief. This concept is often discussed in relation to epistemology and has roots in the works of Plato, particularly in how he approaches the nature of knowledge in his dialogues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plato argues that for something to be known, it must be eternally true and not subject to change, which aligns with his Theory of Forms.
2. In 'Theaetetus', Plato explicitly explores the definition of knowledge as justified true belief, leading to further philosophical discussions.
3. Justification in this context refers to the support or reasons that underlie a belief, emphasizing the importance of evidence in claiming knowledge.
4. The Gettier Problem poses counterexamples to the justified true belief definition, showing scenarios where beliefs can be justified and true yet still fall short of being considered knowledge.
5. This concept laid foundational groundwork for later epistemologists who sought to refine or challenge Plato's original idea of what constitutes knowledge.

Review Questions

• How does Plato's Theory of Forms relate to the concept of knowledge as justified true belief?
  • Plato's Theory of Forms posits that abstract forms represent true reality, which relates to knowledge as justified true belief by asserting that for something to be truly known, it must align with these unchanging forms. In this view, beliefs are only justified when they connect with these eternal truths. Therefore, understanding the nature of these forms is essential for grasping what it means to know something genuinely.
• Analyze how the Gettier Problem challenges the notion of knowledge as justified true belief and its implications for epistemology.
  • The Gettier Problem challenges the notion of knowledge as justified true belief by presenting scenarios where individuals possess beliefs that are both justified and true yet fail to qualify as knowledge due to flawed justification. This dilemma has significant implications for epistemology because it pushes philosophers to reconsider and refine definitions of knowledge beyond mere justification and truth, leading to a deeper exploration of how we ascertain what we claim to know.
• Evaluate the impact of Plato’s definition of knowledge on modern philosophical discussions about epistemology and truth.
  • Plato’s definition of knowledge as justified true belief has profoundly influenced modern philosophical discussions about epistemology and truth by establishing a foundational framework for understanding knowledge. Philosophers continue to engage with this definition, grappling with its strengths and weaknesses in light of contemporary issues like skepticism and relativism. As debates evolve, they often revisit Plato's ideas to explore new theories and seek more robust definitions that address challenges posed by examples like the Gettier Problem.

Related terms

Epistemology: The branch of philosophy that studies the nature, origin, and limits of knowledge.

Plato's Theory of Forms: A philosophical theory proposing that non-material abstract forms represent the most accurate reality, influencing his view on knowledge and truth.

Gettier Problem: A challenge to the justified true belief definition of knowledge, highlighting situations where a person has a justified true belief, but still lacks knowledge due to the nature of the justification.