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Knowledge and art
pp. 985-1012
in: Ilkka Niiniluoto, Matti Sintonen, Jan Woleński (eds), Handbook of epistemology, Berlin, Springer, 2004Abstract
Raised eyebrows are one common response to the claim that art is a valuable source of knowledge and understanding about the world. Some philosophers prefer to see the idea as a fond and self-deluded notion; rather like believing that one's lap-dog is wise and knowledgeable, and that his cuddly warmth, sympathetic licks and doggy breath indicate a fund of wisdom and compassionate understanding.