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Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that examines the nature, origin, and limits of knowledge.Also called "theory of knowledge", it explores different types of knowledge, such as propositional knowledge about facts, practical knowledge in the form of skills, and knowledge by acquaintance as a familiarity through experience.
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to epistemology: Epistemology (aka theory of knowledge ) – branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge . [ 1 ] The term was introduced into English by the Scottish philosopher James Frederick Ferrier (1808–1864). [ 2 ]
To be coherent, all pertinent facts must be arranged in a consistent and cohesive fashion as an integrated whole. The theory that most effectively reconciles all facts in this fashion may be considered most likely to be true. Coherence is the most potentially effective test of truth because it most adequately addresses all elements.
A prominent example in epistemology is the use of intuitions regarding Gettier cases to test theories of knowledge. [28] Intuitions are also used in the process of reflective equilibrium, in which conflicting intuitions are brought into alignment by modifying or removing intuitions until they form a coherent system of beliefs. [29]
It is one of several competing views within epistemology, along with rationalism and skepticism. Empiricists argue that empiricism is a more reliable method of finding the truth than purely using logical reasoning , because humans have cognitive biases and limitations which lead to errors of judgement. [ 2 ]
Rationalism has a philosophical history dating from antiquity.The analytical nature of much of philosophical enquiry, the awareness of apparently a priori domains of knowledge such as mathematics, combined with the emphasis of obtaining knowledge through the use of rational faculties (commonly rejecting, for example, direct revelation) have made rationalist themes very prevalent in the history ...
Cooperative naturalism is a version of naturalized epistemology which states that while there are evaluative questions to pursue, the empirical results from psychology concerning how individuals actually think and reason are essential and useful for making progress in these evaluative questions.
[1] [2] Epistemologists often identify justification as a component of knowledge distinguishing it from mere true opinion. [3] They study the reasons why someone holds a belief. [ 4 ] Epistemologists are concerned with various features of belief, which include the ideas of warrant (a proper justification for holding a belief), knowledge ...