Ep. 294: Quine on Science vs. Epistemology (Part One)

On W.V.O. Quine's "Epistemology Naturalized" (1969). What justifies scientific theory? Not theory-free observations, as Quine shows us by considering how we figure out foreign languages. Instead of basing science on epistemology, Quine thought we need to make epistemology part of science. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com . Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsors and Plugs: Maximize the impact of your charitable giving via GiveWell.org ; choose "podcast" and enter "Partially Examined Life." Get a free T-shirt with your first order at BuckMason.com/pel . Learn about St. John's College at sjc.edu/pel . Pre-order Mark's book "Philosophy for Teens." Read about Wes' seminars .