The paradigm cases of non-inferential knowledge are introspection, perception, and memory [IPM] beliefs (see MGEC).  According to Sellars, such beliefs have epistemic status because, given the processes by which language and beliefs are acquired, they are likely to be true. IPM beliefs are reliable indicators, like the temperature readings on a thermometer.  This is a reliablist or externalist condition on such knowledge.  A chain of empirical justification can properly start with IPM beliefs because they are noninferential reliable indicators of the truth of their contents.  Thus, their occurrence licenses an inference to the likely truth of their contents, and thence to other consequences by formal or material rules of inference.