Disarming the externalist threat to self-knowledge

Identifier

etd-0411103-101951

Author

Gabriel Guy Cate, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeFollow

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine various attempts to disarm the externalist threat to self-knowledge. That threat is engendered by a certain causal theory of meaning and reference, which suggests that empirical investigations may be required to know the contents of our own thoughts. It is claimed, then, that direct, non-inferential self-knowledge of our own mental states, is not possible if externalism is true. The leading compatibilist strategies that attempt to reconcile these apparently conflicting theses are explored and criticized. I conclude by offering what I take to be the essential features of a more successful compatibilist strategy.

Date

2003

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Recommended Citation

Cate, Gabriel Guy, "Disarming the externalist threat to self-knowledge" (2003). LSU Master's Theses. 1468.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/1468

Committee Chair

Husain Sarkar

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1468