I'm at the library of my alma mater today!
I am delighted to be here. This is the first opportunity I have had to come back since 27 February, when I first wanted to find out what epistemic attitudinalism was, after reading about it in "Scientific Naturalism and the Value of Knowledge". Epistemic attitudinalism is a term coined by Jonathan L. Kvanvig. He discusses this view in The Value of Knowledge and the Pursuit of Understanding. In chapter 7, "Epistemic attitudinalism: Semantic and Pragmatic Approaches", he defines it. It is the view that "the value of knowledge is found in certain attitudinal features involved in the concept or use of the concept of knowledge". (p.157) In this regard, it can be seen that a sophisticated form of this theory will be necessary. If it is too crude, then it will be to knowledge what Stevensonian emotivism is to ethics, what Kvanvig calls the "boo/hiss" theory of knowledge. To make a claim about knowing something, under such a view, would be simply to say that one cheers that particular mental state, and to deny knowledge would be to boo that mental state. Most people would probably not agree with this, but it seems clear that the basic project involved is still worth pursuing. As such, it is refreshingly different. Most people are likely to be used to the notion that the value of knowledge is a function of certain properties that are the constituents of knowledge. Here Kvanvig suggests that instead, this value is a function of certain evaluative attitudes expressed when employing that concept.
That was the only real reason that I came to the library today: to find out what epistemic attitudinalism was. While I was here, however, I might as well make good use of my time elsewhere. For example, I also decided to see whether they had a book that I was interested in purchasing, but which I perhaps should simply borrow instead. It is Philosophical Counseling: Theory and Practice, by Peter B. Raabe. I am interested in philosophical counseling for a number of reasons. The first reason is practical: with an M.Phil. under my belt, philosophical counseling is something that I am actually qualified to do that would give me a good sideline for a little extra money. The second reason is principled: it would facilitate my keeping my philosophical studies relevant to the problems of life. I was interested in philosophical counseling the first time I heard of it, which was earlier this year. I had heard here and there of philosophers who counseled, but never as a cohesive profession like this, and I found it exciting. It might be a welcome alternative to armchair academic theorising. The university does have the book, but it is located in the Medical library, which does not open until the beginning of the semester, on Monday. It probably won't affect the fact that I already ordered the thing, and will therefore be up for US$76.95. But at least I learned my lesson, that in future, if the book is a ridiculous price, it means that it's meant to be borrowed, not bought!
While I was here, I thought I'd enquire into borrowing privileges. Obviously, the ideal situation would be to come here after work, borrow what I wanted and then read it at home. However, I assumed by default that I would not be eligible to borrow books from this library, because I am no longer a student here. Imagine my delight when I learned that graduates of the university can apply for borrowing privileges as fee-paying external borrowers. I don't have to be a student after all to enjoy the privileges of this library! Of course, it does beg the question of why I don't simply return here (or somewhere else?) as a student and just do my damned PhD. But there would be three practical problems in doing so. First, I would need to know that I had a reasonable chance of employment at the end of it, and given the distinct lack of real jobs for philosophy PhDs, I'd probably have to go to a really prestigious university to have a chance. Second, if I chose to become an academic, this would undoubtedly involve a big drop in pay. Third, I would want to know exactly what would be different about my situation this time around, when I left academia happily eight years ago. Anyway, to apply for the privilege of fee-paying external borrowing, I must contact the Loan Enquiries Office. They will not be open until the beginning of the semester. I should call them before I come here, because they will be very busy with enrolments for the next two weeks, but they should be open for a half-day next Saturday.
That was the only real reason that I came to the library today: to find out what epistemic attitudinalism was. While I was here, however, I might as well make good use of my time elsewhere. For example, I also decided to see whether they had a book that I was interested in purchasing, but which I perhaps should simply borrow instead. It is Philosophical Counseling: Theory and Practice, by Peter B. Raabe. I am interested in philosophical counseling for a number of reasons. The first reason is practical: with an M.Phil. under my belt, philosophical counseling is something that I am actually qualified to do that would give me a good sideline for a little extra money. The second reason is principled: it would facilitate my keeping my philosophical studies relevant to the problems of life. I was interested in philosophical counseling the first time I heard of it, which was earlier this year. I had heard here and there of philosophers who counseled, but never as a cohesive profession like this, and I found it exciting. It might be a welcome alternative to armchair academic theorising. The university does have the book, but it is located in the Medical library, which does not open until the beginning of the semester, on Monday. It probably won't affect the fact that I already ordered the thing, and will therefore be up for US$76.95. But at least I learned my lesson, that in future, if the book is a ridiculous price, it means that it's meant to be borrowed, not bought!
While I was here, I thought I'd enquire into borrowing privileges. Obviously, the ideal situation would be to come here after work, borrow what I wanted and then read it at home. However, I assumed by default that I would not be eligible to borrow books from this library, because I am no longer a student here. Imagine my delight when I learned that graduates of the university can apply for borrowing privileges as fee-paying external borrowers. I don't have to be a student after all to enjoy the privileges of this library! Of course, it does beg the question of why I don't simply return here (or somewhere else?) as a student and just do my damned PhD. But there would be three practical problems in doing so. First, I would need to know that I had a reasonable chance of employment at the end of it, and given the distinct lack of real jobs for philosophy PhDs, I'd probably have to go to a really prestigious university to have a chance. Second, if I chose to become an academic, this would undoubtedly involve a big drop in pay. Third, I would want to know exactly what would be different about my situation this time around, when I left academia happily eight years ago. Anyway, to apply for the privilege of fee-paying external borrowing, I must contact the Loan Enquiries Office. They will not be open until the beginning of the semester. I should call them before I come here, because they will be very busy with enrolments for the next two weeks, but they should be open for a half-day next Saturday.
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