The Sphere and the Tortoise. The Possibilities of a Holistic Theory of Justification

Abstract

This paper discusses the traditional opposition between a foundationalist and a coherentist account of justification. pointing to their inconveniences and showing why neither can make for an adequate theory of knowledge. It is suggested that, in order to overcome this opposition, it is required to build a holistic theory of belief that can support a holistic theory of justification. The paper has three parts. In the first one the author discusses the objections against foundationalism, focusing on the notion of basic belief and of non-doxastic justification. In the second part it is examined the objections against coherentism, focusing on the infinite regress of the requirement of epistemic ascent. Finally. in the third part the author analyzes the concept of belief and the way an interpreter attributes beliefs to an agent. It is also assessed to what extent it is possible to redefine the notion of "basic belief", in order to place it in a proper theory of justification. Thea uthor suggests that the concept of belief emerges in an intersubjective and interpretative setting, the same which will permit the justification of beliefs.