Epistemology and Knowledge Concepts

The traditional view of knowledge is that it is justified true belief. This means knowing something requires three things: Belief (you must believe the proposition), Truth (the proposition must be true), and Justification (you must have good reasons for believing the proposition).

Realist truth theories emphasize the existence of an objective reality independent of our beliefs, while non-realist theories argue that truth is relative to our perspectives or frameworks. A realist example is the correspondence theory, which states a proposition is true if it corresponds to reality. A non-realist example is the coherence theory, which proposes that a proposition is true if it fits within a system of beliefs.

Empiricism argues that our primary source of knowledge is sensory experience, relying on empirical evidence and observation. Rationalism, on the other hand, believes that reason is the ultimate source of knowledge, emphasizing logic and deduction. Both approaches contribute to knowledge, but they differ in their emphasis on experience versus reason.

<p>Knowledge skepticism questions the possibility of certain knowledge. Global skepticism doubts the possibility of knowing anything with certainty, while local skepticism focuses on specific areas of knowledge. For instance, local skepticism might doubt the possibility of knowing about other minds or the future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The coherence theory challenges the traditional view by suggesting there is no ultimate foundation for knowledge. Instead, knowledge consists of a web of beliefs that are validated by their consistency with each other. This contrasts with the traditional view that requires a correspondence between beliefs and an objective reality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Postmodernism suggests that knowledge is socially constructed and relative to different perspectives. It challenges the idea of objective truth and argues that power influences the construction of knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Epistemology helps us understand the nature of knowledge in psychology, particularly the assumptions underlying research methods. It sheds light on issues like the influence of subjectivity and cultural factors on how we perceive and interpret data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 'justified true belief' model assumes a clear separation between subject and object. However, human perception is shaped by individual experiences, cultural biases, and cognitive processes, making it difficult to establish objective 'truth' or complete justification in the study of perception.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The philosophical study of knowledge and its nature.

Traditional view that knowledge requires belief, truth, and justification.

A proposition is true if it corresponds with reality or facts.

A belief is true if it fits well with other beliefs in a system.

The view that we can never have certain knowledge of anything.

The belief that sensory experience is the primary source of knowledge.

The belief that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge.

The idea that knowledge is socially constructed and influenced by perspectives.