Single Idea 23559

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 3. Value of Knowledge]

Full Idea

Craig's explanation of why we have the concept of knowledge is that it arises from our fundamental need to distinguish good informants.

Gist of Idea

We have the concept of 'knowledge' as a label for good informants

Source

report of Edward Craig (Knowledge and the State of Nature [1990]) by Miranda Fricker - Epistemic Injustice 6.1

Book Reference

Fricker,Miranda: 'Epistemic Injustice' [OUP 2007], p.129


A Reaction

That is, why do we have the label 'knowledge', in addition to 'true belief'? This strikes me as a good explanation which had never occurred to me. Every social group needs to identify members who have some authority in knowledge of various areas of life.