eBook - ePub

Locke's Twilight of Probability

Name: Locke's Twilight of Probability
ISBN: 9781000775471

An Epistemology of Rational Assent

Mark Boespflug,

162 pages
English
ePUB (mobile friendly)
Available on iOS & Android

eBook - ePub

Locke's Twilight of Probability

An Epistemology of Rational Assent

Mark Boespflug,

About this book

This book provides a systematic treatment of Locke's theory of probable assent, and shows how the theory applies to Locke's philosophy of science, moral epistemology, and religious epistemology.

There is a powerful case to be made that the most important dimension of Locke's philosophy is his theory of rational probable assent, rather than his theory of knowledge. According to Locke, we largely live our lives in the "twilight of probability" rather than in "the sunshine of certain knowledge." Locke's theory of probable assent has far-reaching significance insofar as it contains a wealth of novel, independently interesting, and prescient elements that precede the modern field of formal epistemology. In this book, the author argues for the central role of probable assent in Locke's philosophy. Locke's theory of probable assent is based on an epistemic modesty that claims, roughly, that our cognitive abilities are limited and that we ought to carry ourselves in believing with due caution. This modesty motivates the author's discussion of other aspects of Locke's epistemology, notably his principle of proportionality, his doxastic involuntarism, his epistemological pragmatism, and his theory of testimony. The book concludes by connecting the theory of probable assent with Locke's views on the limits of science, moral epistemology, and the rationality of faith.

Locke's Twilight of Probability will appeal to scholars and advanced students working on Locke and the history of early modern philosophy.

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Yes, you can access Locke's Twilight of Probability by Mark Boespflug in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Philosophy & Philosophy History & Theory. We have over one million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.