The Clarity of Understanding
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Authors
El Shazly, Adham
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
understanding , consciousness , epistemology , know-how , abilities , phenomenology , grasping , testimony
Alternative Title
Abstract
A platitude about understanding is that it involves grasping. But what is grasping? In this thesis, I develop a novel account of grasping that is rooted in phenomenal consciousness. According to this account, grasping is a matter of having a distinct kind of conscious experience: clear perception. Clear perception has a distinct cognitive phenomenology that characterizes it. Call this the clarity account of grasping. I go on to argue that the dominant view of grasping in the literature, the ability account of grasping, is false. Using the new clarity account, I argue that grasping is not only distinct from the cognitive abilities associated with understanding, but also explanatory prior to them. Finally, I argue that the clarity account implies that understanding cannot be transmitted through testimony, because clear perception cannot be acquired on the basis of testimony. As such, clear perception plays key cognitive and epistemic roles in understanding and coming to understand.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.