The Value Problem for Knowledge

This chapter introduces the value problem for knowledge and distinguishes various forms of this problem. It shows that one such form of the problem - the swamping problem - poses a difficulty for a certain conception of epistemic value which is termed epistemic value T-monism. Various responses to this problem are canvassed. It is argued that the putative final value of knowledge is important to assessing the value problem, since if knowledge is indeed finally valuable then all the different forms of the value problem, including the swamping problem, are thereby seemingly resolved.