406. What I am aiming at is also the
difference between the casual observation “I know that that’s a…”, as it might
be used in ordinary life, and the same utterance when a philosopher makes it.
both are claims to an authority
the only authority is authorship –
and it is unnecessary and irrelevant –
to assert that you are the author –
of your assertion
the real function of the claim to know –
is rhetorical –
that is to persuade
in so far as you don’t have the authority –
you are suggesting –
that is an authority beyond authorship
the claim to know –
is an exercise in deception –
whether you are a philosopher –
or not