A Brief Discussion of Problems in Jin Yuelin’s Theory of Knowledge

BY | 05-12-2021

China Social Science Review

No.1, 2021

 

A Brief Discussion of Problems in Jin Yuelins Theory of Knowledge

(Abstract)

 

Chen Jiaming

 

As Chinas first work of epistemology in the true sense, Jin Yuelins Theory of Knowledge (1983) constitutes a milestone. However, some problems still need to be discussed. I have raised five issues regarding this work and appended to them my own views. First, the goal of epistemology should be normative, not just the achievement of understanding (tong); second, epistemology cannot start from true knowledge(zhengjue); third, the given(suoyu) cannot be something external that exists independently; fourth, representation theory(the theory of appearances) is not unnecessary or illogical; and fifth, truthis not simply an epistemological concept but is also, primarily, an ontological (metaphysical) concept.