Repository | Book | Chapter

In the previous chapters we have dealt basically with two approaches to the question of the possibility of knowledge. Firstly the search for arhe the principle of understanding. In the ancient form it was also the ontological principle of the universe, but in Moore's hands it reduced to a principle of clear and unclouded understanding of judgements on which to build a wider body of knowledge. Seen in this light the approach is essentially rationalist, reminiscent of Descartes's clara et distincta perceptio. We have then gone to have a look at the proposition that theoretical (i.e. technical in some sense, or in common parlance scientific) knowledge will provide an escape from the difficulties we found in the Moorean approach. We found that all theory-building assumes that the problems addressed by Moore, and others of this ilk, are resolved. To rely on theory, and theoretical technique to solve initial problems of the possibility of articulate knowledge, and/or cognition is then seen as necessarily begging the question. Husserl addresses this question seriously (Husserl, 1928). These results have left us with a clear road to follow in future research.

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-3542-1_3

Full citation: