Abstract: Sets out the epistemological context for my enquiry, by outlining the key moves in a formative phase of its historical development: the writings of Descartes, Locke, Hume, Reid, and Kant. My purpose here is not to engage in the detailed exegesis and interpretation of these philosophers’ views, but to delineate the space of live options in the area, and to point out some dead ends.

Keywords: Descartes, Hume, Kant, Locke, Reid,