Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that investigates our beliefs, evidence, and claims of knowledge. It is one of the core areas of philosophy, and is relevant to an astonishingly broad range of issues and situations. Epistemological issues arise whenever we recognize that there is a fact of the matter, but we do not know what it is, when we wonder about the future (or the past or distant places), when we seek answers in the sciences, and even in our entertainment (e.g., murder mysteries and comedies of misunderstanding). The Historical Dictionary of Epistemology provides an overview of this field of study and of the theories, concepts, and personalities through the use of a list of acronyms, a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and more than 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries, covering notable concepts, theories, arguments, publications, issues, and philosophers. Students and others who wish to acquaint themselves with epistemology will be greatly aided by this reference. “The writing is clear enough for undergraduates yet goes into sufficient depth for more expert readers. Recommended.” ― Choice Reviews “A useful reference work for both students and scholars of philosophy.” ― American Reference Books Annual “This is a useful contribution to both the series and the field....A good clear short dictionary of epistemology in a well-known series...Baergen is really clear in defining and cross-referencing key terms.” ― Reference Reviews “This single-authored dictionary is a welcome addition....A useful source of numerous short definitions.” ― Philosophy in Review “This branch of philosophy, most concisely described as the theory of knowledge, investigates belief, evidence, and claims of knowledge, and it is applied to a wide range of issues and ideas. This reference describes the 500 or so theories, events, concepts, and personalities most closely allied with epistemology, and includes an extensive bibliography. Baergen (philosophy, Idaho State U.) includes a wide range of people, including Saint Bonaventure, Pyrrho of Elis, and more contemporary luminaries like Quine and Putnam and an equally wide variety of concepts such as the "brain in a vat" questions and parapsychology. The result is a concise and portable text that could serve college students, general readers, and professionals experiencing a momentary lapse in knowledge, theoretical or otherwise.” ― Reference and Research Book News Ralph Baergen is Professor of Philosophy at Idaho State University.