In This Selection Russell First Distinguishes Between Knowledge by Acquaintance

question 8

Multiple Choice

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.
-According to Russell, a theory of truth must

• A) allow for falsehood.
• B) assume that truth and falsehood are properties of beliefs.
• C) assume that truth or falsehood depends on something external to beliefs.
• D) All of the above

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Definitions:

Hospice Care

Palliative care focusing on the relief of symptoms and stress for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Medical Interventions

Actions taken by healthcare professionals to prevent, manage, or treat a health problem.

Double Effect

An ethical principle stating that performing a good action may be permissible even if it leads to harmful effects, under certain conditions.

Unethical

Actions or behavior that violate moral principles or professional standards, often resulting in harm or unfairness.