In this book, Porter demonstrates that he is a talented philosopher with much that is unique to contribute to the field of philosophy, and in an area so fundamental that it concerns the practice of all the disciplines within the academy. Porter's ability to explain difficult and subtle points in epistemology at a level accessible to non-specialists is demonstrated here. The book responds carefully to influential recent developments on this topic, as seen in large sections devoted to discussion of such figures as Sellars, BonJour, Davidson, and McDowell. These are treacherous waters, where there is much opportunity for things to go wrong. Porter navigates them well with a well-organized monograph, thoughtful reflection on a host of thorny issues, and bold and innovative work on a feature of central importance (non-inferential, non-constructive conceptualization of experience that can ground basic empirical beliefs).