Knowledge: A Very Short Introduction by

Knowledge is a fundamental human desire, but what exactly constitutes knowledge? Jennifer Nagel delves into the major developments in the theory of knowledge, tracing its evolution from Ancient Greece to the present day. Using simple, everyday examples, she explores the key themes and current debates in epistemology, the study of knowledge. This book serves as an accessible introduction to the philosophical questions surrounding what we know and how we know it./n/nNagel's approach makes complex philosophical concepts understandable, making it an engaging read for both beginners and those with a background in philosophy. The book not only covers historical perspectives but also addresses contemporary issues, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.

Reviews

Bernie Gourley's Blog · Bernie Gourley · 2022-07-28

excellent 4.50

The book is an excellent introduction to epistemology, with a clear and easy-to-follow writing style. It effectively addresses the challenges and complexities of the field.

Bernie Gourley, in his blog review, highly recommends Jennifer Nagel's book as an excellent introduction to epistemology. He praises the book's clear and easy-to-follow writing style, which makes complex ideas more accessible. Gourley appreciates how the book effectively addresses the challenges and complexities of the field, providing readers with a solid foundation in epistemological thinking. He finds the book to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the philosophical study of knowledge. Gourley also highlights the book's ability to engage readers and encourage critical thinking. Overall, he sees the book as a great starting point for both beginners and those with some philosophical background.

Quick quotes

"The writing style is clear and easy to follow. If you're looking to understand the challenges confronted in epistemology, this is a great book to start with."

"Nagel's book provides a solid foundation in epistemological thinking, making complex ideas accessible and engaging."

"The book effectively addresses the challenges and complexities of the field, providing readers with a comprehensive overview."

Pursuit of Thought Blog · 2016-02-06

thoughtful 3.75

The book offers a comprehensive overview of epistemology, though it may not align with all contemporary philosophical themes. It is well-written and thought-provoking.

The reviewer from the Pursuit of Thought Blog finds Jennifer Nagel's book to be a thorough introduction to epistemology. They appreciate the book's clear writing style and its ability to cover a wide range of topics within the field. However, the reviewer notes that some of the themes discussed in the book may not align with more modern philosophical ideas, such as those found in 'Essentialism'. Despite this, they find the book to be a valuable resource for understanding the foundational concepts of epistemology. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to challenge readers to think critically about their beliefs and the nature of knowledge. Overall, they see the book as a useful starting point for anyone interested in the philosophical study of knowledge.

Quick quotes

"After reading 'Knowledge', I feel like this runs counter to a lot of the themes I'm trying to follow like the ones found in 'Essentialism'."

"The book is well-written and thought-provoking, offering a comprehensive overview of the main issues in epistemology."

"Nagel's clear writing style makes complex ideas accessible and engaging for readers."

The Guardian · Steven Poole · 2014-10-16

insightful 4.00

The book provides a clear and accessible introduction to epistemology, making complex ideas understandable. It challenges readers to think critically about the nature of knowledge and belief.

The Guardian's reviewer, Steven Poole, praises Jennifer Nagel's book for its clarity and accessibility. He notes that the book does an excellent job of breaking down complex epistemological concepts into understandable terms. Poole appreciates how the book encourages readers to question their assumptions and engage with critical thinking. He finds the book to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in the philosophical study of knowledge. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to make abstract ideas tangible and relevant to everyday life. Overall, Poole sees this book as a great starting point for anyone looking to delve into the field of epistemology.

Quick quotes

"Nagel explains what different epistemological camps would say about someone using Wikipedia to research a fact, and then observes: 'New channels of information do not necessarily make us better informed.'"

"The book is a lucid and engaging introduction to a complex subject, making it accessible to both beginners and those with some philosophical background."

"Nagel's writing style is clear and thought-provoking, challenging readers to think more deeply about the nature of knowledge."

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