Epistemology Fundamentals

12 Questions

What is the primary concern of justification in epistemology?

The primary concern of justification in epistemology is how we can be certain or confident in our beliefs.

What are the two main types of justification, and how do they differ?

The two main types of justification are inferential and non-inferential. Inferential justification is justified through a series of logical steps and reasoning, while non-inferential justification is justified independently of reasoning, for example, through direct experience or intuition.

What is the difference between rationalism and empiricism in knowledge acquisition?

Rationalism holds that knowledge comes from reason and innate ideas, whereas empiricism holds that knowledge comes from sense experience and observation.

What is the problem of perception in epistemology?

The problem of perception is the challenge of distinguishing between reality and appearance.

What is the correspondence theory of truth?

The correspondence theory of truth holds that truth corresponds to an objective reality.

What is the main challenge posed by skepticism in epistemology?

The main challenge posed by skepticism is the challenge of responding to skeptical doubts and criticisms about knowledge and justification.

What is the primary focus of epistemology?

Determining the sources and limits of knowledge

Which of the following best describes a posteriori knowledge?

Knowledge that is derived from experience and sensory data

What is the key characteristic of a justified true belief (JTB)?

It is a belief that is both true and justified by sufficient evidence

Which epistemological theory emphasizes the role of experience and sensory data in knowledge acquisition?

Empiricism

What is the challenge posed by the problem of induction?

Justifying the assumption that the future will resemble the past

What is the primary concern of skepticism in epistemology?

Questioning the possibility of certain knowledge

Study Notes

Epistemology

Justification

The process of justifying a belief or claim
Concerned with how we can be certain or confident in our beliefs
Types of justification:
- Inferential justification: justified through a series of logical steps and reasoning
- Non-inferential justification: justified independently of reasoning, e.g. through direct experience or intuition
Justification can be:
- Internalist: focuses on the individual's mental states and processes
- Externalist: focuses on external factors, such as the environment or social context

Knowledge Acquisition

The process of acquiring knowledge or justified beliefs
Theories of knowledge acquisition:
- Rationalism: knowledge comes from reason and innate ideas
- Empiricism: knowledge comes from sense experience and observation
- Constructivism: knowledge is constructed through social and cultural interactions
The problem of induction: the challenge of justifying general conclusions based on specific observations

Perception

The process of perceiving the world through our senses
Types of perception:
- Direct realism: the world is directly perceived as it is
- Indirect realism: the world is perceived indirectly through representations or interpretations
- Idealism: perception is a product of the mind or ideas
The problem of perception: the challenge of distinguishing between reality and appearance

Truth

The nature of truth and how it relates to knowledge and justification
Theories of truth:
- Correspondence theory: truth corresponds to an objective reality
- Coherence theory: truth is a product of coherence and consistency
- Pragmatic theory: truth is a product of practical usefulness
The problem of truth: the challenge of defining and determining truth

Skepticism

The challenge to knowledge and justification
Types of skepticism:
- Global skepticism: doubts all knowledge and justification
- Local skepticism: doubts specific areas of knowledge or justification
The problem of skepticism: the challenge of responding to skeptical doubts and criticisms