Naturalized Epistemology and the Law of Evidence: Methodological Reflections

Authors

  • Michael S. Pardo Georgetown University Law Center

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Abstract

This paper discusses Ronald Allen’s article, Naturalized Epistemology and the Law of Evidence Revisited, and reflects on how epistemology can contribute to our understanding of the evidentiary proof process. I first situate Allen’s critique of recent philosophical scholarship, distinguishing between general theoretical accounts of proof (including the theory that Allen and I have defended), on one hand, and the applications of specific epistemological concepts or issues to law, on the other. I then present a methodological picture that diverges in some respects from the one that emerges from Allen’s critique. In discussing this alternative methodological picture, I explain how epistemology can contribute to legal evidence and proof while avoiding the problems that Allen identifies.

Keywords

Epistemology, legal proof, relative plausibility, statistical evidence, safety, sensitivity

References

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Author Biography

Michael S. Pardo, Georgetown University Law Center

Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.33115/udg_bib/qf.i2.22484

Published

2021-01-20

How to Cite

Pardo, M. S. (2021). Naturalized Epistemology and the Law of Evidence: Methodological Reflections. Quaestio Facti. International Journal on Evidential Reasoning, (2), 299–312. https://doi.org/10.33115/udg_bib/qf.i2.22484