Abstract

Chapter 4 looks at some paradoxes in recent epistemology that can be resolved in light of the Austinian view of assurances. The paradoxes considered are each driven by a closure principle, roughly to the effect that knowledge is closed under known implication. The key to resolving these closure-based paradoxes is to restrict closure to apply only when the situation is held stable. Other possible restrictions on closure are considered. The Austinian view explains how we sometimes know uncertain propositions (propositions with known probability less than one). It is also shown how, contrary to what some believe, a reasonable alternatives theory can provide an account of inductive knowledge. Once again appeal to a standard of reasonableness is central.