The
Epistemological
Problem
Table of Contents
● What is
Epistemology?
● Problem of Other
Minds
● Problem of Self–
Consciousness
● Questions
Epistemology
Epistemology is the study of human knowledge. This field explores the
rationality of human knowledge as well as the distinctions knowledge has
between beliefs, opinions, and facts.
Knowledge Belief Truth Good Basis
A strong foundation or starting
The quality or state of being true.
Facts, information, and An acceptance that a statement is point built on reliable information.
skills acquired by a person true or that something exists.
through experience or
education.
Problem of Other Minds Problem of Self Consciousness.
Epistemological
“How does one determine “How is it that any conscious
being has an immediate and
whether something other than
privileged knowledge of its own
oneself-an alien creature, a sensation, emotions, beliefs,
sophisticated robot, a socially and desires, and so forth? How
is this possible? And just how
active computer, or even another
trustworthy is that knowledge?”
human–is really a thinking, feeling,
Problem
conscious being, rather than… an (Churchland 111)
unconscious automaton whose
behavior is arises from something
other than genuine mental states.”
(Churchland 111)
Problem of Other Minds
The main point of this argument is if we can only observe one half
of the connections between conscious beings and their mental
states how can we be sure they possess a mental state to begin
with.
“Accordingly, one cannot be justified in drawing inferences from
another creatures behavior, to possess his own mental states.
Which is to say, one cannot be justified in believing that any
creature other than oneself has mental states.” (Churchland 113)
Problem of Other Minds
Soulutions
The Argument from Analogy– Conscious beings are similar, thus we can draw
conclusions off of the basis of experiencing similar mental states.
Behaviorism– We don’t need any more observable proof besides the fact that sentient
being behave. The observable behavior is the truth and the evidence of consciousness.
● The problem of
Self-Consciousness
self-consciousness centers on
understanding how the brain not
only produces consciousness but
also creates a sense of oneself.
● Churchland approaches
self-consciousness from a materialist
Problem of
perspective, arguing that it arises from
complex neural processes in the brain
rather than relying on non-physical
entities like a soul or mind separate
from the body.
Problem of Self-Consciousness
“To be self-conscious is to have, Example: Being nervous for a big game
at a minimum, knowledge of You might feel your hands shaking
oneself.But this is not all. and your heart racing (physical)
Self-consciousness involves
Then you think, “I’m nervous because
knowledge not just of one's
physical states, but knowledge of I’m scared of failing” (mental)
one’s mental states specifically.” Being able to recognize why you’re
(Churchland 120) nervous, not just that you are nervous,
shows one’s self-consciousness. It’s
about understanding both your body
Self-consciousness isn’t just knowing you and your mind.
exist physically, like the example of seeing
yourself in a mirror. It’s also about being
aware of what’s happening in your mind;
your thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
1 Can an epistemologist ever truly be an expert
in their craft, based on things we previously
discussed in class?
How might an epistemologist deal with
deception?
2
3 Does AI have the capability to ever encounter
the problem of self consciousness?
Can the problem of other minds be solved
using AI?
4
Sources
Churchland, Paul M. Matter and Consciousness. MIT Press, 2013.
Westfall,Mason “PHILOSOPHY - The Problem of Other Minds”
Youtube,Uploaded by Wireless Philosophy, Sep 6, 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ0DJYJ8USY
•
Nagel,Jennifer “PHILOSOPHY - Epistemology: Introduction to Theory
of Knowledge [HD]” Youtube,Uploaded by Wireless Philosophy,
Feb 12, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_Y3utIeTPg
