In this new kind of entree to contemporary epistemology, Kevin McCain presents fifty of the field's most important puzzles, paradoxes, and thought experiments. Assuming no familiarity with epistemology from the reader, McCain titles each case with a memorable name, describes the details of the case, explains the issue(s) to which the case is relevant, and assesses its significance. McCain also briefly reviews the key responses to the case that have been put forward, and provides a helpful list of suggested readings on the topic. Each entry is accessible, succinct, and self-contained. Epistemology: 50 Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Thought Experiments is a fantastic learning tool as well as a handy resource for anyone interested in epistemological issues.

Key Features:

• Though concise overall, offers broad coverage of the key areas of epistemology.
• Describes each imaginative case directly and in a memorable way, making the cases accessible and easy to remember.
• Provides a list of Suggested Readings for each case, divided into General Overviews, Seminal Presentations, and Other Important Discussions.

About the Author

Kevin McCain is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His published works include Evidentialism and Epistemic Justification (2014), The Nature of Scientific Knowledge: An Explanatory Approach (2016), (with Ted Poston) Best Explanations: New Essays on Inference to the Best Explanation (2017), and (with Kostas Kampourakis) Uncertainty: How It Makes Science Advance (2019).

Reviews

"There's no better way to master contemporary epistemology than to think through the many puzzling thought experiments that occupy center stage in contemporary epistemology. Finally there's a book that not only discusses 50 of the very best in one place but also provides an authoritative guide to the surrounding literature. Every student of epistemology--undergraduates to professionals--should own a copy. Highly recommended."
Peter Graham, University of California, Riverside

"McCain's handy compendium will entertain and instruct both newcomers and regulars in the imaginary worlds that have formed the backdrop to many of the most significant debates in contemporary epistemology."
Elijah Chudnoff, University of Miami

"This book provides an accessible and engaging introduction to epistemology through an exploration the most influential thought experiments and puzzles in the literature. Readers are introduced to many of the central debates in epistemology in short and easy to understand chapters, as well as helpfully pointed toward further reading to dig deeper into any of the issues discussed. It is an excellent resource for students, teachers, and anyone interested in investigating issues in epistemology."
Jonathan Matheson, University of North Florida, USA

Book Information
ISBN 9780367638726
Author Kevin McCain
Format Paperback
Page Count 262
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 480g