Final answer:
In 'A Separate Peace' by John Knowles, Gene and Finny can be considered evidentialists rather than reliabilists, as they base their beliefs on evidence and personal experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
In A Separate Peace by John Knowles, Gene and Finny can be considered evidentialists rather than reliabilists. Evidentialism is the philosophical view that beliefs should be based on evidence. Gene and Finny are constantly gathering evidence and analyzing situations to form their beliefs and make decisions. For example, Gene collects evidence about Finny's athleticism and his own jealousy, which informs his actions toward Finny. In contrast, reliabilism is the view that beliefs are justified if they are formed by a reliable process, regardless of the evidence supporting them. This perspective is not as applicable to Gene and Finny in the novel, as they prioritize evidence and personal experiences to shape their understanding of the world.