Knowledge and Presuppositions develops a novel account of epistemic contextualism based on the idea that pragmatic presuppositions play a central role in the semantics of knowledge attributions. According to Blome-Tillmann, knowledge attributions are sensitive to what is pragmatically presupposed at the context of ascription. The resulting theory--Presuppositional Epistemic Contextualism (PEC)--is simple and straightforward, yet powerful enough to have far-reaching and important consequences for a variety of hotly debated issues in epistemology and philosophy of language. In this book, Blome-Tillmann first develops Presuppositional Epistemic Contextualism and then explores its ability to resolve various sceptical paradoxes and puzzles. Blome-Tillmann also defends PEC against familiar and widely discussed philosophical and linguistic objections to contextualism. In the final chapters of the book PEC is employed to illuminate a variety of concerns central to contemporary discussions of epistemological issues, such as Gettier cases, Moorean reasoning, the nature of evidence, and other current problems and puzzles.

About the Author
Michael Blome-Tillmann is Associate Professor of Philosophy at McGill University and Marie Curie Experienced Researcher at the University of Cambridge. His research is primarily in the areas of epistemology and philosophy of language.

Reviews
The book is outstanding. It is a must-read for anyone with a serious interest in the semantics of knowledge claims ... I recommend it enthusiastically. * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *
It is quite likely that a general readership will find much of interest and enjoyment in the subject matter and the author's treatment of it. As for the academic readership, particularly in the field of philosophy - and even more narrowly that of epistemology - I suggest it is a "must-read". * Joe Sinclair, New Nuturing Potential *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199686087
Author Michael Blome-Tillmann
Format Hardback
Page Count 210
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 400g
Dimensions(mm) 223mm * 145mm * 18mm