Title

Is Sensitive Knowledge 'Knowledge'?

Keywords

Locke, sensitive knowledge, certain knowledge

Abstract

Locke thinks that sense perception can give us justified beliefs about the existence of material objects. Since these justified beliefs come from sense perception, Locke calls it“sensitive knowledge”. Now, given its name, it might seem obvious that Locke takes sensitiveknowledge to be a kind of knowledge. However, Samuel Rickless has made a surprisingly strong case that sensitive knowledge “is not, strictly speaking, a kind of knowledge” (my emphasis). He gives some compelling reasons for thinking that sensitive knowledge is instead an “assurance”, a kind of probable judgment that falls short of certain knowledge. Rickless’s interpretation is surprising, provocative, well defended, and has garnered the interest of other Locke scholars. But, I will argue, it is wrong.

Original Publication Citation

“Is Sensitive Knowledge ‘Knowledge’?” Locke Studies vol. 13 (2013)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

Locke Studies

Language

English

College

Humanities

Department

Philosophy

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

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