Epistemology comes from the Greek words “episteme” (knowledge) and “logos” (study or theory). Simply put, epistemology is the study of knowledge—how we acquire it, what counts as true knowledge, and how we can justify our beliefs.

Key Questions in Epistemology

Epistemologists investigate questions such as:

• What is knowledge, and how is it different from mere belief?

• How do we know something is true?

• Can knowledge be certain, or is it always subject to doubt?

• What are the sources of knowledge—experience, reason, intuition, or testimony?

Major Theories of Knowledge

1. Empiricism: Knowledge comes from sensory experience. Think of scientists conducting experiments to learn about the world.

2. Rationalism: Knowledge comes from reason and logical thinking, independent of sensory experience.

3. Constructivism: Knowledge is constructed by humans based on experiences, interactions, and context.

4. Skepticism: Some philosophers question whether true knowledge is possible at all.

Why Epistemology Matters

• Helps us distinguish truth from falsehood.

• Influences science, education, and critical thinking.

• Guides decision-making by examining how beliefs are justified.

Interesting Facts

• Famous philosophers like Plato, Descartes, and Kant made significant contributions to epistemology.

• Epistemology is closely related to logic and philosophy of science.

• Everyday decisions, from choosing news sources to evaluating claims, involve epistemological thinking

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