Phil 490

Discussion Questions:      Chapter 2 of Preston’s Grounding Knowledge

 

1)       In the introduction of to this chapter, Preston states that, “Just as one cannot tell the whole story about knowing minds by isolating them from any connection to their brain, so one cannot tell the whole story about knowing brains by isolating them from any connection to the bodies and the environments in which they operate.” What is your initial reaction to this premise before reading the rest of the paper? Agree, disagree?

 

2)       Preston discusses two main approaches to scientific naturalizing (Cognitivist & Enactivist). What is the difference between these two general approaches and why does Preston claim the former is a dead end theory? (Pg. 27-29)

 

3)       Our environment undoubtedly plays a role in the content of our knowledge; do you think it also influences the form and infrastructure of how we know? Consider Preston’s example of the balance schema and its relationship with various conceptual structures (Pg. 32-33). What arguments could be presented in support of either side?

 

4)       What is the significance of the “lab studies theories” in cultural naturalizing? (Pg. 40) How powerful do you think the “epistemic locations” of race, gender, class, religion or environment are in the creation of knowledge?

 

5)       If we adopted Preston’s understanding of a naturalized epistemology, how would this influence the way we interacted with our natural environment? In other words, what difference would this epistemological stance make in our environmental ethic?

 

6)       From your reading of this chapter, has your initial answer to question 1 changed at all? Do you think Preston in on the right track in his project of Grounding of Knowledge?