Davidson on Self‐Knowledge: A Transcendental Explanation

Abstract

AbstractDavidson has attempted to offer his own solution to the problem of self‐knowledge, but there has been no consensus between his commentators on what this solution is. Many have claimed that Davidson's account stems from his remarks on disquotational specifications of self‐ascriptions of meaning and mental content, the account which I will call the “Disquotational Explanation.” It has also been claimed that Davidson's account rather rests on his version of content externalism, which I will call the “Externalist Explanation.” I will argue that not only are these explanations of self‐knowledge implausible, but Davidson himself has already rejected them. Thus, neither can be attributed to Davidson as his suggested account of self‐knowledge. I will then introduce and support what I take to be Davidson's official and independent account of self‐knowledge, that is, his “Transcendental Explanation.” I will defend this view against certain potential objections and finally against the objections made by William Child.