EPISTEMOLOGY Meaning and
Definition
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Epistemology is a field of philosophy that seeks to understand the nature, sources, and limits of human knowledge. Derived from the Greek words "episteme" (meaning knowledge or understanding) and "logos" (meaning study or theory), epistemology deals with questions concerning how knowledge is acquired, justified, and disseminated.
At its core, epistemology investigates various theories and methods of knowing. It examines the nature of knowledge itself, exploring the criteria for what constitutes true knowledge and the distinctions between belief, opinion, and justified belief. Epistemology also addresses the relationship between the knower and the object of knowledge, as well as the role of perception, reason, memory, intuition, and testimony in acquiring knowledge.
Epistemology encompasses different branches and approaches, such as foundationalism, coherentism, empiricism, rationalism, and pragmatism. Foundationalism posits that knowledge is built on foundational beliefs that are self-evident or basic, while coherentism suggests that knowledge is derived from a coherent system of beliefs. Empiricism stresses the importance of sensory experience as a source of knowledge, while rationalism emphasizes reason and logical analysis. Pragmatism prioritizes practical consequences and usefulness in determining the truth of knowledge claims.
Furthermore, epistemology also investigates skeptical challenges to knowledge, examining the limits of human understanding, and questioning the reliability of our senses and cognitive faculties. It grapples with difficult questions about the existence of objective reality and the possibility of knowledge beyond our subjective experiences.
By examining the nature, sources, and limitations of human knowledge, epistemology plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of how we know what we know and the foundations upon which our knowledge can be built.
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The theory of knowledge; the science dealing with knowledge as an entity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of EPISTEMOLOGY
The word "epistemology" can be broken down into two parts: "episteme" and "logy".
The term "episteme" comes from the Greek word "epistēmē", which means "knowledge" or "understanding". In ancient Greek philosophy, "episteme" referred to reliable knowledge that was obtained through reason and evidence.
The suffix "-logy" is derived from the Greek word "logia", which translates to "study of" or "discourse on". This suffix is commonly used in many fields of study to denote a systematic or scientific investigation.
Therefore, when combined, "epistemology" refers to the study or theory of knowledge. It is the branch of philosophy concerned with understanding the nature, limits, and validity of knowledge, as well as the methods used to acquire knowledge.
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