Ethno-Epistemology: New Directions for Global Epistemology

This volume explores the implications of cross-linguistic and cultural diversity for epistemology, featuring new perspectives and defending core monism from both an NSM and skeptical perspective. It also considers the implications of cultural diversity for epistemology based on anthropological studies and discusses methods to unify epistemology despite differences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume explores the profound implications of cross-linguistic and cultural diversity for epistemology, bringing together philosophers, linguists, and scholars from diverse knowledge traditions to advance the field beyond the confines of the Anglophone sphere. The first set of chapters presents compelling evidence of the relevance of cross-linguistic or cultural diversity to epistemology, while also discussing its potential ramifications. These essays advocate for epistemic pluralism, grounded in Sanskrit data, as a commitment to pluralism about epistemic stances. They analyze the usage of two Japanese knowledge verbs, namely "know" and "understand," in relation to knowledge how, examine the Confucian notion of justification, and provide a survey of cultural differences regarding testimonial knowledge.

The second group of chapters takes a core monist stance, defending the idea that despite the diverse range of knowledge verbs across languages, there exists a fundamental epistemological meaning shared by all languages. This defense is approached from both a Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) and a skeptical perspective. The third cluster of essays delves into the implications of cultural diversity for epistemology, drawing upon anthropological studies to explore real disparities in folk epistemology across cultures. Finally, the last two chapters discuss methods or perspectives to unify epistemology despite and based on the diversity of folk intuitions and epistemological concepts.

Ethno-Epistemology serves as a vital resource for philosophers engaged in epistemology and comparative philosophy, as well as linguists and cultural anthropologists interested in the cultural-linguistic diversity of knowledge traditions. By examining the interplay between language, culture, and knowledge, this book offers insightful perspectives that challenge traditional assumptions and broaden our understanding of epistemic phenomena.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367515409