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Why the Distinction Between Knowledge and Belief Might Matter

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  • Ken Binmore

Abstract

The English language dimly recognizes that knowing something is not the same as believing it sure to be true. Ptolemy believed it sure that the sun revolved around the earth, but we would not say that he knew the sun revolved around the earth. Philosophers commonly claim that the difference lies in the fact that knowledge should be regarded as justified true belief, but such an attempt at a definition has had little influence in rational choice theory, presumably because the question of what should count as a justifying argument is left hanging in the air.

Suggested Citation

  • Ken Binmore, 2005. "Why the Distinction Between Knowledge and Belief Might Matter," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 2(1), pages 97-104, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:ejw:journl:v:2:y:2005:i:1:p:97-104
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Aumann, Robert J., 1996. "Reply to Binmore," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 17(1), pages 138-146, November.
    2. Ken Binmore, "undated". "Rationality and Backward Induction," ELSE working papers 047, ESRC Centre on Economics Learning and Social Evolution.
    3. Fudenberg, Drew & Levine, David K, 1993. "Self-Confirming Equilibrium," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 61(3), pages 523-545, May.
    4. Binmore, Ken, 1996. "A Note on Backward Induction," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 17(1), pages 135-137, November.
    5. Ken Binmore, 1997. "Rationality and backward induction," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(1), pages 23-41.
    6. Binmore, Ken, 1987. "Modeling Rational Players: Part I," Economics and Philosophy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 3(2), pages 179-214, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Samuli Leppälä, 2015. "Economic Analysis Of Knowledge: The History Of Thought And The Central Themes," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 263-286, April.

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