A causal theory of knowing, published in 1967, established a new path for Alvin Goldman by proposing that knowledge stems from beliefs appropriately connected to the facts they represent. This departure from traditional normative frameworks positioned him as a central figure in the movement toward naturalized epistemology, marking a significant turn in American analytic philosophy during the late twentieth century.
Academic Career
Born in Brooklyn in 1938, Goldman completed his academic training with a bachelor's degree from Columbia University followed by a doctorate from Princeton University. His teaching career spanned several decades and multiple institutions. Between 1963 and 1980, he taught at the University of Michigan, subsequently moving to the University of Illinois, Chicago, for a three-year tenure. From 1983 until 1994, he held a faculty position at the University of Arizona. He concluded his career at Rutgers University, where he arrived in 1994 and served as the Board of Governors Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science until his retirement in 2018.
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Goldman’s early philosophical contributions focused on action theory, most notably articulated in his 1970 publication, A Theory of Human Action. This work, which originated from his doctoral thesis, provided a rigorous framework for categorizing the various actions humans perform. The systematic nature of his analysis influenced contemporary discourse, including the writings of John Rawls in A Theory of Justice.
Epistemological Frameworks
In the 1960s, Goldman sought to address the Gettier challenge by rethinking the definition of knowledge beyond justified true belief. He proposed that knowledge requires a reliable process for belief formation. His naturalistic approach divided epistemology into two components: an analytic task to identify normative criteria for justified belief, and a reliance on psychological science to understand human cognitive operations. He later expanded this focus into social epistemology, analyzing how knowledge is transmitted through legal, media, and voting mechanisms, as detailed in his 1999 book, Knowledge in a Social World.
Cognitive Science Integration
Goldman dedicated significant research to bridging the gap between philosophy and cognitive science. His scholarly output, including Epistemology and Cognition and Simulating Minds, demonstrated the relevance of empirical science to philosophical problems. His work explored mindreading, mirroring, and embodied cognition, effectively integrating formal philosophical methods with the findings of psychological research.
Fast facts
- Born: 1938, Brooklyn
- Died: 2024
- Education: Columbia University, Princeton University
- Key Field: Epistemology
- Notable Book: A Theory of Human Action
- Awards: Guggenheim Fellowship
- Professional Membership: American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Questions readers ask
What is Goldman's causal theory of knowing?
It is a 1967 proposal suggesting that knowledge constitutes a true belief appropriately caused by the fact that makes the belief true.
What was the focus of Goldman's later career?
He focused on social epistemology, investigating the mechanisms of knowledge transmission in society, including law, media, and voting.
Achievements
- Held posts at Rutgers University, University of Arizona and University of Michigan
- Fields: philosophy, philosophy of mind and cognitive science
