foundationalism
An epistemic program that posits certain basic, self-justifying beliefs as the ultimate foundation for all other knowledge claims.
2 chapters across 1 book
Epistemology: An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge (2003)Nicholas Rescher
Chapter 7 contrasts two major epistemic models of cognitive systematization: foundationalism, which relies on a linear, hierarchical structure of knowledge built upon basic axioms or self-justifying beliefs, and coherentism, which offers a network model as an alternative. The chapter traces the historical dominance of the Euclidean model, emphasizing its influence from Aristotle through modern epistemology, while highlighting the inherent difficulties in foundationalism that motivate consideration of coherentist approaches.
This chapter explores the epistemological debate between foundationalism and coherentism, contrasting the hierarchical Euclidean model of knowledge with the network-like cyclic systematization. It further examines the coherentist approach to truth, cognitive relativism and contextualism, and the pragmatic rationale behind cognitive objectivity and rationality. The discussion highlights challenges such as validating objectivity and rationality, and defends the pragmatic necessity of objectivity and rational inquiry despite their inherent complexities.