Epistemology and Knowledge Theories

The study of knowledge. It explores how we know what we know and the nature of knowledge itself.

A major epistemological approach that emphasizes objective truth and scientific methods. It assumes that the world operates according to natural laws and that knowledge can be obtained through systematic observation and experimentation.

An epistemological approach that acknowledges the fallibility of science and recognizes that our understanding of the world is always evolving. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative research and the need to continually refine our knowledge.

An epistemological approach that highlights the importance of social location and perspective in shaping knowledge. It argues that different social groups have different experiences and understanding of the world, and that these perspectives should be taken into account.

The belief that knowledge is created through social interactions and that there is no objective reality independent of our understanding. It emphasizes the role of language, culture, and power in shaping our knowledge.

A critical realist approach emphasizes that the scientific process of knowledge generation is imperfect and limited. It recognizes the challenges of researching complex real-world phenomena, where multiple factors may be at play.

A key assumption of critical realism is that understanding reality requires ongoing collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement. It emphasizes the idea that new research builds upon existing knowledge and refines our understanding over time.

A key assumption of critical realism is that reality is complex and changing. It suggests that the phenomena we study are influenced by multiple factors and that our understanding of them can never be complete.

Every individual's knowledge is shaped by their unique history (past experiences), culture (values and beliefs), interests (hobbies and passions), and physical location (where they live and work).

Social locations, like class, race, or gender, influence our perspectives. Our everyday experiences contribute to how we understand the world. Furthermore, having advantages or disadvantages (privilege) shapes what we know.

Academic research can give more weight to certain viewpoints over others. Groups who are often the subjects of research are sometimes overlooked as researchers themselves.

The relationship between the one who knows (the 'knower') and what is to be known (the 'known') is complex. Knowledge is always partial (incomplete), specific to a place and time ('local'), and influenced by history.

According to radical social constructionism, individuals and groups are categorized, labeled, diagnosed, and treated based on ideas and beliefs about them, often shaped by institutions.

The knower - the one doing the research - creates the known - the object of study - through the process of knowing. All knowledge is ultimately shaped by our perception.

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, and methodology is the study of research methods. An epistemological position dictates what is investigated, what questions are considered valid, what methods are appropriate, who should be given voice, and how results should be presented.