Summary:
According to Goldman, a more accurate proposed account of knowledge entails the idea that “S knows that p if and only if the fact p is causally connected in an ‘appropriate’ way with S’s believing p” (369). In order to fully comprehend the concept of an account of knowledge in its more accurate form, it is crucial to understand what the term appropriate refers to.
Goldman states that: “‘Appropriate’, knowledge-producing causal processes include the following: (1) …show more content…
In the hard sciences, such as biology and chemistry, as well as other careers that apply research, the scientific method is considered the foundation for all bases of knowledge. In the Gettier problem, there are scenarios where it is possible that coincidences can occur, which may alter the process of obtaining the correct form of knowledge. In research as well as in the sciences, it could potentially be dangerous for any coincidences to occur in the results of an experiment. Therefore, a specific process known as the scientific method, is implemented in order to ensure that coincidences do not occur, and that there is a direct causal relationship between the variables. The scientific method involves steps such as “observing, forming a hypothesis, conducting the experiment and analyzing the conclusion of the experiment itself” (Strandgaard 2015). The experiment must be repeated multiple times to ascertain and verify the validity of the results. This is akin to Goldman’s idea, where he inserts a causal relationship into the premises, in order to validate the traditional analysis of knowledge. If the Gettier approach were to be used in these particular subjects, there would be no certain form of knowledge, and all research would be deemed as invalid and not …show more content…
Goldman strongly believes that ideas in knowledge must be connected in an appropriate manner such as through a causal chain, memory, perception, or a viable combination of those factors. He also mentions that these factors must be used as an additional requirement to the traditional analysis of knowledge. By utilizing this process, it is possible to avoid occurrences of epistemic luck and coincidences that could arise due to knowledge obtained by the Gettier problem. Goldman solves the Gettier problem by creating restrictions, which is heavily implemented in research fields as well as the sciences. These fields have a specific protocol, known as the scientific method, which involves testing and retesting, to verify the results of an experiment. This procedure creates the causal relationship that Goldman often uses. Goldman’s idea can also be used in the premise of baking, where a specific temperature and amount of time is crucial for yielding perfect results. This is contrasted to the Gettier Problem, where different temperatures and amounts of baking time can be used, with coincidentally decent results. Overall, Goldman’s idea of implementing a causal chain to create a more accurate proposed account of knowledge is extremely