Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2007
Abstract
It has often been argued that a theory that tries to justify itself fully is either viciously circular or produces an infinite regress of justifications. Thinking that tries to establish ultimate foundations for itself seems in the end to base itself on nothing but its own insistence that it is right. As a result it offers no real knowledge. As Robert Almeder notes, for example, a strong appeal attaches to arguments such as that "there is no non-question-begging way to answer questions such as 'Are you justified in believing your definition of justification?'"
Recommended Citation
Barris, J. (2007). An internal connection between logic and rhetoric, and a legitimate foundation for knowledge. Philosophy & Rhetoric, 40(4), 353-371.
Comments
This is the author’s manuscript. The published version of record is available at https://muse.jhu.edu/article/230046. Copyright © 2007 The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. All rights reserved.
This paper has been revised and an improved version appears as a chapter in Dr. Barris’ book Sometimes Always True: Undogmatic Pluralism in Politics, Metaphysics, and Epistemology. New York: Fordham University Press, 2015.