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The Dissenter

#1007 Brian Talbot: The End of Epistemology As We Know It

Oct 17, 2024
Brian Talbot, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Colorado, Boulder, dives deep into the future of epistemology. He discusses the importance of epistemic norms and their conflicts with moral norms. The conversation shifts to the stark differences between knowledge and true beliefs, as well as the intriguing concept of 'pointless beliefs.' Talbot also introduces epistemic consequentialism, exploring how beliefs shape outcomes and challenging traditional perspectives. This enlightening dialogue uncovers the complexities of how we form beliefs in an uncertain world.
55:28

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Quick takeaways

  • The podcast critiques traditional epistemic norms, advocating for a belief system aligned with our overarching goals and aspirations.
  • It emphasizes the importance of curiosity in shaping beliefs, suggesting that the pursuit of knowledge often transcends practical implications.

Deep dives

The New Approach to Epistemology

Epistemology, the study of belief and rationality, is examined through a new lens that prioritizes understanding our goals before determining what we should believe. The author posits that traditional epistemology often fails to align beliefs with the overarching aim of pursuing truth, leading to a disconnect between accepted norms and rationality. Instead of merely asking what makes beliefs reasonable, the discourse shifts to what we wish to achieve with our beliefs, advocating for norms derived from those goals. This approach challenges long-held views by suggesting that effective belief systems must first account for our intentions and aspirations.

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