In This Selection Russell First Distinguishes Between Knowledge by Acquaintance

question 11

True/False

In this selection Russell first distinguishes between knowledge by acquaintance (e.g., knowledge by appearances, such as "I seem to see a red book," "I am in pain," or "I think, therefore I am") and knowledge by description (knowledge of truths, such as your knowing that you are really seeing a red book or that your pain is caused by having twisted your ankle). Knowledge by acquaintance is generally thought to be infallible because believing it makes the proposition true. But the same is not the case for descriptive knowledge claims because your beliefs could be false. Thus, descriptive knowledge is dualistic-it has the properties of truth and falsity as opposites-whereas knowledge by acquaintance is monistic and does not admit such opposites. Russell goes on to specify the conditions for an adequate theory of truth and shows how the correspondence theory meets these conditions, whereas the coherence theory does not.
-Russell believes that the coherence theory of truth is at least as plausible as the correspondence theory.

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Definitions:

Villi

Small finger-like projections that line the intestine, increasing its surface area for absorption of nutrients from digested food.

Lingual Lipase

An enzyme secreted by the glands in the tongue that begins the digestion of lipids (fats) in the mouth.

Olfactory Epithelium

Epithelium of the olfactory recess containing olfactory receptors.

Nasal Cavity

The large air-filled space behind the nose, involved in breathing, smell, and mucus production to filter air entering the respiratory system.