---
tag: QRES9VMR6A
kind: problem
name: Problem of the criterion
sources:
  - wikipedia: en:159211@r1371689602
    locator: Analytic philosophy, section Epistemology > Problem of the criterion
    note: adopted
    mention: wikipedia://en/159211#KHDA
    sections: [Problem]
inventory: [3YV1RZ7RVQ]
---

## Problem

Discussed since antiquity, Chisholm, in his *Theory of Knowledge* (1966), details the problem of the criterion with two sets of questions:

1. What do we know? or What is the extent of our knowledge?
1. How do we know? or What is the criterion for deciding whether we have knowledge in any particular case?

Answering the former question first is called *particularism*, whereas answering the latter first is called *methodism*. A third solution is *skepticism*, or doubting there is such a thing as knowledge.