Lecture 4 : Epistemology Part Two Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is epistemology?
The study of knowledge
It considers the origin, nature, and extent of knowledge and philosophical problems attached to these.
What does skepticism refer to in epistemology?
A philosophical position questioning the possibility of certainty in knowledge
Skepticism challenges the validity and reliability of knowledge claims.
What is the fundamental source of knowledge according to empiricism?
Sensory experience
Empiricism emphasizes the role of empirical evidence in the formation of ideas.
What is the role of empirical evidence in empiricism?
It is fundamental in the formation of ideas
Scientists primarily use empirical knowledge.
Who influenced the concept of science in empiricism?
Aristotle
Aristotle believed that formulating first principles allows deduction of knowledge about particular cases.
What type of knowledge is considered a posteriori?
All knowledge according to empiricism
A posteriori knowledge is based on experience.
What does rationalism view as the primary source of knowledge?
The faculty of reason
Rationalism emphasizes reason over sensory experience.
What is the Intuition/Deduction thesis?
Some propositions are knowable by intuition alone; others are deduced from intuited propositions
Intuition is seen as a form of rational insight.
What type of knowledge does rationalism claim is innate?
Innate knowledge and innate concepts
Rationalism posits that some truths are known a priori.
What is the Indispensability of Reason Thesis?
Knowledge in a subject area gained by intuition and deduction could not have been gained through sense experience
This thesis supports the rationalist position.
What is the Superiority of Reason thesis?
Knowledge gained by intuition and deduction is superior to knowledge gained by sense experience
This thesis also supports rationalism.
How does rationalism seek to overcome skepticism?
By emphasizing reason as a source of knowledge
Rationalist theses provide arguments against skepticism.
What is a premise in an argument?
Statements that serve as reasons for accepting the conclusion
Premises lead to the conclusion in an argument.
What is a conclusion in an argument?
A statement that the premises are intended to support
The conclusion is also called the issue being debated.
Identify the conclusion in the argument: ‘One should not arrive late to class.’
One should not arrive late to class (C)
This is the central claim being supported.
List the premises from the argument: ‘Arriving late to class disturbs other students in the lecture.’
- Arriving late to class disturbs other students in the lecture (P1)
- Arriving late to class also distracts the lecturer (P2)
These premises support the conclusion about arriving late to class.
