A Critical Introduction to Justification

Up-to-date and comprehensive, A Critical Introduction to Justification provides a new way of understanding and thinking about a wide range of different justified belief theories.

Covering key issues in classical and contemporary theory, this unique introduction employs a series of case studies throughout, allowing the reader to think about theories, not just in the abstract, but as they apply to particular test case. Drawing attention to the traditional role attributed to justification in the theory of knowledge, this critical introduction takes up the traditional discussion of how justification is structured, how justified beliefs are related to one another and to whatever justifies them. It provides a detailed examination of key issues in the contemporary(and emerging) theory of evidence, discusses how justification transmits from one state to another, considers skepticism about justification and presents a series of arguments for the thesis that justification is worth seeking and thinking about.

By reflecting on a number of cases - both standard and creative - and connecting the most classic material on justification with the most contemporary, the reader emerges solidly grounded in theories of justified belief and ready to engage with contemporary works of epistemology.

Trent Dougherty is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, USA.