Lecture 3 : Introduction To Epistemology Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is epistemology?
The study of knowledge
It considers the origin, nature, and extent of knowledge and philosophical problems attached to these.
What are some epistemological questions?
- How do you know what you know?
- Can we trust our senses?
- Is knowledge possible or is it just belief?
- How much evidence is needed for us to be certain?
- Are there things we cannot doubt?
- What is the difference between opinion and knowledge?
- Is science truly objective and beyond doubt?
How is epistemology tied to metaphysics?
Metaphysical commitments influence what counts as genuine knowledge
Metaphysics and epistemology are related; they are in a relationship.
What are the three different types of knowledge?
- Practical/ability knowledge
- Knowledge by acquaintance
- Propositional knowledge
Define practical/ability knowledge.
Knowledge that is skills-based and gained through habit
Examples include being able to drive a car, use a computer, and swim without knowing the facts about swimming.
What is knowledge by acquaintance?
Knowledge that involves familiarity with someone or objects
Example: Knowing a person is not the same as knowing great facts about them.
Define propositional knowledge.
Knowledge that asserts something is the case, e.g., that the earth is flat
In epistemology, we focus on propositional knowledge to figure out how we can achieve truth about the world.
What are the conditions required for propositional knowledge?
- Knowledge requires beliefs
- Knowledge requires truths
- Knowledge requires that one’s belief is justifiably and appropriately held
What is the Gettier problem?
The issue where a justified true belief may still lack knowledge due to luck
Example: John believes it is 8:20 a.m. based on a stopped clock, meeting the conditions but lacking knowledge.
What is skepticism?
The view that we cannot have genuine knowledge
Skeptics question the certainty of our beliefs and justifications.
What is the infinite regress argument in skepticism?
The idea that every belief needs to be proven true, leading to endless justification
This suggests nothing can be certain.
How do our senses relate to skepticism?
Skepticism questions whether personal experiences and sense perceptions are sufficient to establish knowledge
Example: Sensations can be misleading, such as feeling pain in an amputated limb.
What does Robert Audi argue about perceptual beliefs?
Perceptual beliefs are grounded in perception and constitute knowledge or are justified
However, incorrect perceptions can lead to skepticism.
