
The Reliability of Sense Perception
William P. Alston(Author)
Cornell University Press
Published on 11. January 1996
Book
Paperback/Softback
168 pages
978-0-8014-8101-7 (ISBN)
Description
Why suppose that sense perception is an accurate source of information about the physical environment? More generally, is it possible to demonstrate that our basic ways of forming beliefs are reliable? In this book, a leading analytic philosopher confronts this classic problem through detailed investigation of sense perception, the source of beliefs in which we place the most confidence. Carefully assessing the available arguments, William P. Alston concludes that it is not possible to show in any noncircular way that sense perception is a reliable source of beliefs.
Alston thoroughly examines the main arguments that have been advanced for the reliability of sense perception, including arguments from the various kinds of success we achieve by relying on the sense perception, arguments that some features of our sense experience are best explained by supposing that it is an accurate guide, and arguments that there is something conceptually incoherent about the idea that sense perception is not reliable. He concludes that all of these arguments that are not disqualified in other ways are epistemically circular, for they use premises based upon the very source in question. Alston then suggest that the most appropriate response to the impossibility of showing that our basic sources of beliefs are reliable is an appeal to the practical rationality of engaging in certain socially established belief-forming practices.
The Reliability of Sense Perception will be welcome by epistemologists, cognitive scientists, and philosophers of science.
Alston thoroughly examines the main arguments that have been advanced for the reliability of sense perception, including arguments from the various kinds of success we achieve by relying on the sense perception, arguments that some features of our sense experience are best explained by supposing that it is an accurate guide, and arguments that there is something conceptually incoherent about the idea that sense perception is not reliable. He concludes that all of these arguments that are not disqualified in other ways are epistemically circular, for they use premises based upon the very source in question. Alston then suggest that the most appropriate response to the impossibility of showing that our basic sources of beliefs are reliable is an appeal to the practical rationality of engaging in certain socially established belief-forming practices.
The Reliability of Sense Perception will be welcome by epistemologists, cognitive scientists, and philosophers of science.
Reviews / Votes
Alston has written a readable and intelligent book. His results will not surprise many philosophers, but his 'nothing-up-my-sleeves' lucidity will assist them in thinking through a range of possible positions. At a time when epistemology has been widely understood to be passe, Alston's account, interwoven as it is with discussion of work by Goldman, Nozick, and others, indicates that epistemology is not yet only a thing of the past.- Russell B. Goodman, University of New Mexico (Review of Metaphysics)
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ithaca
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8014-8101-7 (9780801481017)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

William P. Alston
The Reliability of Sense Perception
E-Book
07/2018
1st Edition
Cornell University Press
€162.99
Available for download
Person
William P. Alston is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Syracuse University.