Gettier Problems

Definition

Gettier problems are a class of thought experiments in epistemology that challenge the traditional definition of knowledge as 'justified true belief.' These problems demonstrate situations where an individual has a justified true belief, but this belief is not considered knowledge due to certain factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gettier problems were first introduced by the philosopher Edmund Gettier in his 1963 paper 'Is Justified True Belief Knowledge?', which presented two counterexamples to the JTB definition of knowledge.
2. Gettier problems demonstrate that a belief can be both true and justified, but still fail to constitute knowledge due to the role of epistemic luck or chance in its formation.
3. These problems highlight the limitations of the JTB definition of knowledge and the need for a more robust and comprehensive understanding of what constitutes genuine knowledge.
4. Gettier problems have been widely discussed and debated in the field of epistemology, leading to the development of alternative theories of knowledge, such as reliabilism and virtue epistemology.
5. The significance of Gettier problems lies in their ability to challenge our intuitions about knowledge and push us to refine our understanding of the nature and requirements of knowledge.

Review Questions

• Explain how Gettier problems challenge the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief.
  • Gettier problems present counterexamples where an individual has a belief that is both true and justified, but this belief is not considered knowledge due to the role of epistemic luck or chance in its formation. These examples demonstrate that the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief (JTB) is insufficient, as it fails to account for situations where an individual's belief is true and justified, but the justification is ultimately disconnected from the truth of the belief. Gettier problems highlight the need for a more robust and comprehensive understanding of the nature and requirements of knowledge.
• Describe the key features of Gettier problems and how they challenge the JTB definition of knowledge.
  • Gettier problems are characterized by the following key features: (1) the individual has a belief that is true, (2) the individual's belief is justified or supported by evidence, and (3) the individual's belief is true due to factors that are unrelated to the justification for the belief, a phenomenon known as epistemic luck. These problems demonstrate that the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief (JTB) is insufficient, as it fails to account for situations where an individual's belief is true and justified, but the justification is ultimately disconnected from the truth of the belief. Gettier problems highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of the nature and requirements of knowledge.
• Analyze the significance of Gettier problems in the context of epistemology and their impact on the development of alternative theories of knowledge.
  • Gettier problems have had a significant impact on the field of epistemology, as they challenge the long-held assumption that the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief (JTB) is sufficient. These problems demonstrate that a true and justified belief does not necessarily constitute knowledge, due to the role of epistemic luck or chance in the formation of the belief. The significance of Gettier problems lies in their ability to push epistemologists to re-evaluate the nature and requirements of knowledge, leading to the development of alternative theories, such as reliabilism and virtue epistemology. These new theories aim to provide a more robust and comprehensive understanding of what constitutes genuine knowledge, moving beyond the limitations of the JTB definition. The ongoing discussion and debate surrounding Gettier problems have been instrumental in shaping the evolution of epistemology as a field of study.

Related terms

Justified True Belief (JTB): The traditional definition of knowledge, which states that for a belief to be considered knowledge, it must be (1) true, (2) believed by the individual, and (3) justified or supported by evidence.

Epistemic Luck: The role that luck or chance plays in the formation of a true belief, which can undermine the justification for that belief and prevent it from being considered knowledge.

Counterexample:

A specific example or scenario that disproves or challenges a general rule or theory, such as the traditional definition of knowledge.