ALEXANDER BIRD
Philosophical Quarterly (forthcoming)
Abstract
What is evidence? In this paper I shall consider the relationship between
evidence and inference. I aim:
(a) To articulate a functional characterisation of the concept of evidence.
In short, I propose that evidence is what allows us to make inferences that
extend our knowledge.
(b) To show the inadequacies of an alternative characterisation according to
which evidence is foundational, in the sense that our evidence supports inferences
but is not itself inferred.
(c) To provide an indirect argument for my characterisation by showing that
it entails Timothy Williamson’s claim that all and only knowledge is evidence,
for which there is independent support.