The Gettier Problem

Description: The Gettier Problem is a philosophical problem that challenges the traditional definition of knowledge. It asks whether it is possible to have a justified true belief that is not knowledge. This quiz explores the Gettier Problem and its implications for our understanding of knowledge.
Number of Questions: 10
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Tags: philosophy philosophy of truth the gettier problem
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Who is credited with formulating the Gettier Problem?

  1. Edmund Gettier

  2. Bertrand Russell

  3. Ludwig Wittgenstein

  4. John Locke


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Edmund Gettier formulated the Gettier Problem in his 1963 paper, "Is Justified True Belief Knowledge?".

What is the central question of the Gettier Problem?

  1. Can a justified true belief be knowledge?

  2. Can a true belief be justified?

  3. Can knowledge be certain?

  4. Can knowledge be infallible?


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The central question of the Gettier Problem is whether it is possible to have a justified true belief that is not knowledge.

What is a Gettier case?

  1. A case in which a person has a justified true belief that is not knowledge

  2. A case in which a person has a true belief that is not justified

  3. A case in which a person has a justified belief that is not true

  4. A case in which a person has a true belief that is not justified or true


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A Gettier case is a case in which a person has a justified true belief that is not knowledge. This is because there is some relevant information that the person does not know, which would have prevented them from having a justified belief.

What is the traditional definition of knowledge?

  1. Justified true belief

  2. True belief

  3. Justified belief

  4. Belief


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The traditional definition of knowledge is justified true belief. This means that in order to know something, one must have a true belief that is justified by evidence or reason.

What is the problem with the traditional definition of knowledge?

  1. It is too narrow.

  2. It is too broad.

  3. It is circular.

  4. It is self-contradictory.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The problem with the traditional definition of knowledge is that it is too narrow. It excludes cases in which a person has a justified true belief that is not knowledge, such as in Gettier cases.

What are some proposed solutions to the Gettier Problem?

  1. Revise the definition of knowledge.

  2. Reject the principle of closure.

  3. Adopt a reliabilist theory of knowledge.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There are a number of proposed solutions to the Gettier Problem, including revising the definition of knowledge, rejecting the principle of closure, and adopting a reliabilist theory of knowledge.

What is the principle of closure?

  1. The principle that if one knows that p and one knows that p implies q, then one knows that q.

  2. The principle that if one knows that p and one knows that q, then one knows that p and q.

  3. The principle that if one knows that p, then one knows that not-p.

  4. The principle that if one knows that p, then one knows that p or q.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The principle of closure is the principle that if one knows that p and one knows that p implies q, then one knows that q.

What is a reliabilist theory of knowledge?

  1. A theory of knowledge that holds that knowledge is justified true belief that is produced by a reliable process.

  2. A theory of knowledge that holds that knowledge is justified true belief that is not produced by a reliable process.

  3. A theory of knowledge that holds that knowledge is true belief that is produced by a reliable process.

  4. A theory of knowledge that holds that knowledge is true belief that is not produced by a reliable process.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A reliabilist theory of knowledge is a theory of knowledge that holds that knowledge is justified true belief that is produced by a reliable process.

What are some criticisms of reliabilist theories of knowledge?

  1. They are too narrow.

  2. They are too broad.

  3. They are circular.

  4. They are self-contradictory.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

One criticism of reliabilist theories of knowledge is that they are too narrow. They exclude cases in which a person has a justified true belief that is not knowledge, such as in cases where the person's belief is produced by a lucky guess.

What is the future of the Gettier Problem?

  1. It will be solved.

  2. It will remain unsolved.

  3. It will be forgotten.

  4. It will be replaced by a new problem.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

It is likely that the Gettier Problem will remain unsolved. This is because it is a deep and difficult problem that raises fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge.

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