This analysis of knowledge of the external world, a central problem in philosophy, considers the history of the problem in the work of such modern philosophers as Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Kant and Mill. Turning to current debates, the author then argues that the problem has re-emerged. He undertakes a revision of empiricist epistemology and the development of the required theory of inference, basing the logical structure of the latter on probability calculus and on a conception of justifiable belief formation.

An introductory survey of the key concepts and problems in traditional and contemporary metaphysics.

After decades of neglect, empiricism is returning to the philosophical scene. This book joins the trend, presenting an exposition and defense of an up to date version of empiricism. Earlier versions were brushed aside mainly by epistemic rationalists who believe in synthetic a priori truths and followers of W.V.O. Quine who think all truths are a posteriori. Aune rebuts the criticisms of both groups and defends an improved account of analytic truth. His last two chapters are concerned with empirical knowledge, the first with observation and memory and the second with the logic of experimental...

Many philosophers believe that the traditional problem of our knowledge of the external world was dissolved by Wittgestein and others. They argue that it was not really a problem - just a linguistic 'confusion' that did not actually require a solution. Bruce Aune argues that they are wrong. He casts doubt on the generally accepted reasons for putting the problem aside and proposes an entirely new approach. By considering the history of the problem from Descartes to Kant, Aune shows that analogous arguments create difficulties for the contemporary philosophical consensus. He makes it clear...