In This Selection Russell First Distinguishes Between Knowledge by Acquaintance

question 10

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 says it is possible to equate the correspondence theory with total skepticism.

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Definitions:

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that lies outside the brain and spinal cord, responsible for transmitting information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

Endocrine System

A network of glands in the body that produce and release hormones directly into the blood, regulating processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Behavior Influence

The effects that the behaviors of individuals or groups have on the actions and attitudes of others.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems involved in muscle activation, memory, and learning.