Perceiving the World: A Defense of Phenomenal Conservatism

In this book, we explore the philosophy of Phenomenal Conservatism, an epistemological theory that defends the reliability of our immediate, non-inferential perceptual experiences as a source of justified belief. We examine the foundational principles of the theory, the role of perception, and its implications for the problem of skepticism, internalism-externalism debate, and the nature of justified belief. We also explore the objections to Phenomenal Conservatism and provide robust responses to them. Finally, we explore the applications of the theory beyond traditional epistemology, in domains such as ethics and aesthetics. By the end of this book, readers will have a deeper understanding of the power of perceptual experience in shaping our beliefs about the world and the implications of this for our understanding of knowledge and justified belief.