The First Principles of Knowledge

John Rickaby, S.J.

Part One.

Preface.
1. Definition of Truth.
2. In What Act of the Mind a Truth May Be Found Completely Possessed.
3. Definition of Certitude and of the States of Mind Falling Short of Certitude.
4. Kinds and Degrees of Certitudes
5. Metaphysical and Physical Certitude.
6. The Order of Precedence between Natural and Philosophic Certitude.
7. The Charge of Discord (or at least of want of co-operation) between Natural and Philosophic Certitude.
8. Universal Scepticism.
9. Cartesian Doubt.
10. The Primary Facts and Principles of the Logician.
11. Retrospect and Prospect.
12. The Rejection of Various Theories about the Ultimate Criterion of Certitude.
13. Evidence as the Ultimate Objective Criterion of Truth.
14. The Origin of Error in the Understanding.

Part Two.

1. Short Introduction.
2. The Trustworthiness of the Senses.
3. Objectivity of Ideas, Whether Singular or Universal.
4. Exaggerated Realism, Nominalism, and Conceptualism.
5. Consciousness.
6. Memory.
7. Belief on Human Testimony.
8. Belief on Divine Testimony.