Maciej Jarzębski
University of Warsaw
In my talk I will present the analysis of the epistemological problem of the standard theory of knowledge (i.e. knowledge as justified true belief) applied to science. I will try to answer whether Gettier cases can be constructed for scientific knowledge, therefore, whether scientific knowledge is susceptible to the Gettier problem. In the first part I will start with a short characterisation of two main models of scientific method. First model is the falsificationism of Karl Popper, and the second is the hypothetico-deductive method modified by Wesley Salmon. Main difference between those methods is their approach to the possibility of confirmation of hypotheses. This difference is crucial, I will argue, because standard theory of knowledge is inapplicable to science under Popper’s definition of scientific method, which disallows positive confirmation of theories. I will argue that the Gettier problem is irrelevant if we adhere to Popper’s scientific method. In the next part, I will focus on Salmon’s model of scientific method in which confirmation is possible.Thus, I will argue, the standard theory of knowledge is applicable, which allows for the possibility of a Gettier case. Most importantly, I will argue that the Gettier problem is essentially connected with the standard theory of knowledge, and strong interpretation of the justification, as in the scientific method, does not block Gettier cases. Which would mean that, scientific knowledge is susceptible to the Gettier problem.
Chair: Danila Ivanov
Time: September 7th, 11:20-11:50
Location: SR 1.007
SOPhiA 2026 