Arguments

Arguments, in the context of Epistemology, are primarily about propositional knowledge, which is knowledge that can be expressed as a statement or a claim that can be true or false. Arguments aim to demonstrate the truth or plausibility of a particular claim by providing reasons and evidence to support it. 

• **Arguments as a form of knowledge: Arguments are not just random statements; they are structured sets of claims where some claims (premises) are offered as reasons to believe another claim (the conclusion). This structure makes arguments a tool for transmitting and evaluating propositional knowledge. 
• [Propositional knowledge] in arguments: The knowledge conveyed through arguments is typically [declarative knowledge] – knowledge about facts, concepts, and ideas. For example, an argument might aim to establish the truth of the statement “the Earth is round” by presenting evidence like satellite images and scientific data. 
• **[Defeasible reasoning]: Modern argumentation theories recognize that arguments are not always conclusive. Additional information or new evidence can sometimes weaken or invalidate the connection between premises and conclusion, meaning the argument is defeasible. 
• **Beyond propositional knowledge: While arguments primarily deal with propositional knowledge, they can also touch upon other forms of knowledge. For instance, an argument about the best way to build a bridge might involve [procedural knowledge] (knowing how to apply specific techniques). Similarly, arguments about personal relationships might rely on [acquaintance knowledge] (knowing someone personally). 
• **The knowledge argument: The “knowledge argument” is a specific philosophical argument that challenges the idea that all knowledge can be reduced to physical knowledge. It posits that someone with complete physical knowledge about a conscious being might still lack knowledge about that being’s subjective, qualitative experiences ([qualia]). This highlights the potential limitations of propositional knowledge in capturing certain aspects of experience and consciousness.