Dretske 's K&FI

Signals and Information

A signal r carries the information that s is F = The conditional probability of s's being F, given r (and k), is 1 (but, given k alone, less than 1)

Perception

Belief

States Functioning as Representations

The Learning Period

Error and the Disjunction Problem

Knowledge

De Re non-inferential perceptual knowledge (that r is F) is belief that is caused (or causally sustained by) the information (that r is F) carrying signal in virtue of its carrying that information.

Dretske as Causal Stratagist

Objections

Not Necessary Conditions

This Requires Perfect Probability

Dretske 's Defense:

1.) Conjunction Problems

2.) The Xerox Principle

3.) Solves the Lottery Paradox

4.) No Gettier Cases

Dretske 's Modification:

Channel Conditions are Idealized and Probability is Assigned Pragmatically

Noise as Necessary

-Rods and Cones

Objections

Not Sufficient Conditions

The Unreliable Causal Connection

A Noninferential Gettier Case?