The Epistemic Dimensions of Ignorance

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Epistemic Dimensions of Ignorance
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Rik Peels
Edited by Martijn Blaauw
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:225
Dimensions(mm): Height 230,Width 152
Category/GenrePhilosophy - epistemology and theory of knowledge
ISBN/Barcode 9781316625811
ClassificationsDewey:121
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises; 2 Line drawings, black and white

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 3 January 2019
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Ignorance is a neglected issue in philosophy. This is surprising for, contrary to what one might expect, it is not clear what ignorance is. Some philosophers say or assume that it is a lack of knowledge, whereas others claim or presuppose that it is an absence of true belief. What is one ignorant of when one is ignorant? What kinds of ignorance are there? This neglect is also remarkable because ignorance plays a crucial role in all sorts of controversial societal issues. Ignorance is often thought to be a moral and legal excuse; it is a core concept in medical ethics and debates about privacy, and it features in religious traditions and debates about belief in God. This book does not only study an epistemic phenomenon that is interesting in itself, but also provides important tools that can be fruitfully used in debates within and beyond philosophy.

Author Biography

Rik Peels is lecturer in philosophy at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. Martijn Blaauw is lecturer in philosophy at Technische Universiteit Delft, The Netherlands.