Jennifer Nagel, a philosophy professor at the University of Toronto, dives into the intricate relationship between knowledge, communication, and curiosity. She explores how our understanding of knowledge shapes social interactions and the importance of context in conversations. Nagel discusses the nuances of justified true belief, critiques traditional epistemological views, and highlights how language reflects our certainty. The podcast also touches on the role of self-reflection in knowledge sharing and the significance of genuine dialogue in effective communication.
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A Messy Journey to Philosophy
Jennifer Nagel's academic journey was non-linear, starting with diverse interests like logic, literature, and math.
After a stint in the corporate world, she returned to academia, pursuing philosophy despite initial resistance to its orthodoxies.
insights INSIGHT
The Problem with Contextualism
Contextualism, a theory about knowledge, suggests that the word "know" changes meaning depending on the conversation.
Nagel finds this unsatisfying and argues for a more stable definition of knowledge.
insights INSIGHT
Intuitions and Knowledge
Contextualism struggles to predict how people use "know" and relies on an unexplained concept called "strength of epistemic position".
Nagel suggests viewing intuitions about knowledge as potentially flawed, like perceptual illusions.
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Published in 1998, 'Paradise' is Toni Morrison's longest novel and concludes a trilogy that includes 'Beloved' and 'Jazz'. The story is set in the all-black town of Ruby, Oklahoma, which was founded by nine African American clans in the 1940s. The novel explores the town's self-imposed isolation and its rigid hierarchies, as well as the tension between Ruby and the nearby Convent, a former mansion inhabited by a group of women with troubled pasts. The narrative is structured into nine sections, each named after a female character, and it delves into themes of community, violence, and the search for a utopian 'paradise'. The book also examines Christian theology, particularly through the contrasting visions of two reverends, and highlights the importance of love, self-determination, and freedom[1][3][4].
Klara and the Sun
Kazuo Ishiguro
Set in a dystopian future, 'Klara and the Sun' follows the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) who is purchased by a mother for her ailing daughter, Josie. Klara, powered by solar energy, develops a deep bond with Josie and becomes obsessed with the Sun, which she believes has the power to save Josie's life. The novel delves into themes of loneliness, the nature of consciousness, and the societal implications of genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. Through Klara's observations and interactions, the book explores the human condition and the complexities of love, faith, and sacrifice in a world marked by social inequality and technological advancements.
Knowledge
A Very Short Introduction
Jennifer Nagel
This book provides an accessible introduction to epistemology, covering classic questions about knowledge and belief, as well as contemporary debates involving logic, linguistics, and psychology. It explores topics such as skepticism, rationalism, and empiricism, offering a clear and engaging exploration of the field.
Face-to-Face Dialogue
Face-to-Face Dialogue
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Janet Mavellis
Knowledge and Its Limits
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Tim Williamson
Tim Williamson's "Knowledge and Its Limits" is a highly influential work in contemporary epistemology. It challenges traditional approaches to knowledge, arguing for a more robust and demanding conception. Williamson's work emphasizes the importance of understanding knowledge as a fundamental and irreducible concept. The book's rigorous arguments and innovative approach have sparked significant debate and shaped the direction of epistemological inquiry. Its impact on the field is undeniable, prompting a re-evaluation of long-held assumptions about the nature of knowledge.
The Legend of the JTB Analysis
The Legend of the JTB Analysis
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Julien Dutant
Humans are curious creatures who seek out knowledge about every aspect of the world. We also value knowledge to a great degree. Having a good education is very well-perceived and is a priority of many parents. We sometimes take pride in possessing knowledge, and tend to feel embarrassed when our ignorance gets put on display. More fundamentally, many of our social interactions require tracking what others know and signaling what we ourselves know. For instance, discussing politics with a foreigner might require extra care, as our knowledge of social and economic issues might be specialized relative to the contexts in which we grew up. If I learn that my interlocutor knows as much as I do about the political landscape of my home country, the interaction will likely become a lot more fluid. There is more common ground between us. What is knowledge such that it can play this role in conversation? What underlies our obsession with it? How do we develop the capacity to attribute knowledge to others and to understand them?
Jennifer Nagel is a professor of philosophy at University of Toronto. Much of her work has been concerned with topics at the intersection of epistemology and the philosophy of mind, such as mind reading, metacognition and communication. She is the author of Knowledge, a Very Short Introduction, at Oxford University Press.
Credits:Interview: Jay RichardsonArtwork: Ella BergruEditing: Jay RichardsonMusic: Thelma Samuel and Robin BaradelCommunication: Tanay Katiyar
Cognitations 
