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What to Believe Now
Applying Epistemology to Contemporary Issues
'What should we believe?' This is one of the core questions of epistemology, but it is often discussed in the abstract as if it were a question of purely theoretical interest arising for agents living nowhere and nowhen. David Coady takes epistemology out of the study and into the streets by asking what we (as citizens of a more-or-less democratic societies) should believe now (in the early 21st Century) about matters of political pith and moment. A fine book, a fun book, and a book which might actually do a bit of good. Charles Pigden, University of Otago This original and accessible work advances applied epistemology with vivid examples, and provocative and balanced commentary. A terrific stimulus to reflection, discussion, and improved critical thought about everyday issues. Jonathan Adler, The City University of New York
David Coady (Author)
9781405199940, Wiley
Paperback / softback, published 16 March 2012
224 pages
22.6 x 17.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.295 kg
“With the possible exception of some of the introductory material, however, everything in What To Believe Now is accessible without a background in epistemology. Since it addresses topics of considerable importance, it should command, if not a mass audience, then one that reaches well outside the narrow confines of academic philosophy. Those particularly likely to find it useful include political theorists, students of social networks, and perhaps some policy makers.” (Danube Law & Economics Review, 1 December 2014) “All in all, an intelligent, accessible, and provocative book that will encourage epistemologists to examine the real-world implications of their theories.” (Philosophy in Review, 1 October 2014) “Overall, Coady’s book is a well-organised and well-conceived piece of philosophy that constitutes a powerful case for the legitimacy of applying epistemology to contemporary issues.” (Journal of Applied Philosophy, 22 October 2013) “Undoubtedly, this book will interest contemporary epistemologists. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty.” (Choice, 1 November 2012) “Since it addresses topics of considerable importance, it should command, if not a mass audience, then one that reaches well outside the narrow confines of academic philosophy. Those particularly likely to find it useful include political theorists, students of social networks, and perhaps some policy makers.” (Danny Yee's Book Reviews, 2012)
What can we know and what should we believe about today's world? What to Believe Now: Applying Epistemology to Contemporary Issues applies the concerns and techniques of epistemology to a wide variety of contemporary issues. Questions about what we can know-and what we should believe-are first addressed through an explicit consideration of the practicalities of working these issues out at the dawn of the twenty-first century. Coady calls for an 'applied turn' in epistemology, a process he likens to the applied turn that transformed the study of ethics in the early 1970s. Subjects dealt with include: Timely, thought provoking, and controversial, What to Believe Now offers a wealth of insights into a branch of philosophy of growing importance-and increasing relevance-in the twenty-first century.
Preface ix 1 Introduction 1 2 Experts and the Laity 27 3 Epistemic Democracy 59 4 Rumors and Rumor-Mongers 86 5 Conspiracy Theories and Conspiracy Theorists 110 6 The Blogosphere and the Conventional Media 138 7 Conclusion 169 Postscript: Government Surveillance and Privacy 175 References 188 Index 197
Subject Areas: Philosophy [HP]
