Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Cate, Gabriel Guy
URN	etd-0411103-101951
Title	Disarming the Externalist Threat to Self-Knowledge
Degree	Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department	Philosophy and Religious Studies
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Husain Sarkar Committee Chair John Baker Committee Member Jon Cogburn Committee Member
Keywords	self-knowledge externalism
Date of Defense	2003-04-08
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract The purpose of this thesis is to examine various attempts to disarm the externalist threat to self-knowledge. That threat is engendered by a certain causal theory of meaning and reference, which suggests that empirical investigations may be required to know the contents of our own thoughts. It is claimed, then, that direct, non-inferential self-knowledge of our own mental states, is not possible if externalism is true. The leading compatibilist strategies that attempt to reconcile these apparently conflicting theses are explored and criticized. I conclude by offering what I take to be the essential features of a more successful compatibilist strategy.
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