In his earlier book Epistemology and Cognition (Harvard University Press, 1986), Alvin I. Goldman sketched a distinction between individual and social epistemology, offered his own account of the former, and promised a sequel devoted to the latter. Knowledge in a Social World is that sequel, and offers a systematic treatment of social epistemology. It is original not only in substance but in conception, opening up whole new avenues of epistemological investigation. As Goldman treats it, social epistemology "is linked to those social science and policy disciplines that study knowledge in its social and institutional contexts." (ix) His aim is to offer a social theory of knowledge, which takes full account of "the interpersonal and institutional contexts in which most knowledge endeavors are actually undertaken" (vii); and, in light of the fact that "social practices can make both positive and negative contributions to knowledge," aims "to show just which social practices, under what conditions, will promote knowledge rather than subvert it." (viii) The book is a tour de force: wide-ranging, ambitious and challenging. It is engagingly written: non-technical, exceedingly clear, and witty. It treats a wide range of social domains and practices, including science, education, law, testimony, and argumentation. It uses examples deftly and tellingly; its arguments are consistently powerful. One couldn't ask for a better demonstration of the relevance of epistemology to a broad range of social and policy issues. Those who disagree with Goldman's conclusions, and his recommendations for truth-enhancing practices, will have to confront this book. It is a must-read for scholars from the gamut of disciplines that treat the issues it addresses, and to the intelligent non-specialist as well.

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