Abstract

AUGUSTO, Luís M.. Putting the horse before the cart: a pragmatist analysis of knowledge. Trans/Form/Ação [online]. 2011, vol.34, n.2, pp. 135-152. ISSN 0101-3173.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0101-31732011000200008.

The definition of knowledge as justified true belief is the best we presently have. However, the canonical tripartite analysis of knowledge does not do justice to it due to a Platonic conception of a priori truth that puts the cart before the horse. Within a pragmatic approach, I argue that by doing away with a priori truth, namely by submitting truth to justification, and by accordingly altering the canonical analysis of knowledge, this is a fruitful definition. So fruitful indeed that it renders the Gettier counterexamples vacuous, allowing positive work in epistemology and related disciplines.

Keywords : Justified true belief; Epistemic justification; A priori truth; Justification ad veritatem; Non-contradiction; Pragmatism; Gettier counterexamples.