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VII
THE PROBLEM OF ERROR
The problem of knowledge is connected with the problem of truth and error. Particularly realism finds it difficult to explain the problem of error. Strictly speaking, there is little or no provision for distinction between truth and error in realistic epistemology. However, not all forms of realistic theories necessarily take this position. Though things have independent existence, they may not be known immediately as they are and this explains the phenomenon of error. The distinction between truth and error is thus accounted for and is not inconsistent with a moderate form of realism. Because, possibility of valid knowledge does not exclude the possibility of error.
The problem of error leads to the problem whether error is subjective or has some objective basis or it is the result of both subjective and objective elements. Different philosophers have expressed divergent opinions as regards this problem. Error is regarded as a form of invalid knowledge in which object is cognized as something else or possessing certain characteristics that do not belong to it in reality, e. g. shell is cognized as silver. Idealism describes
