Zagzebski's definition of knowledge

(Originally written December 4, 2006 in Epistemology)

Zagzebski:

Justified belief - something that an Intellectually virtuous person might believe

Epistemic duty - something that an intellectually virtuous person would believe

Justified belief mirrors a right act. Epistemic duty mirrors a moral duty.

Criteria for a definition of knowledge:

- Not too rigorous nor too relaxed
- Practically useful

Knowledge - a state of cognitive contact with reality arising out of acts of intellectual virtue
Knowledge - a true belief arising out of acts of intellectual virtue

Advantages of Zagzebski's approach:
1. Avoids epistemic atomism