Epistemology Explained: How Do We Know What We Know?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of epistemology, specifically addressing questions about the nature of knowledge, how we acquire it, and the criteria for determining its truth. Participants explore both informal understandings and more complex philosophical implications, including connections to metaphysics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on epistemology, suggesting it relates to how we know what we know and the process of ascertaining truth.
  • Another participant provides a link to a dictionary definition, indicating that the initial understanding is on the right track but expresses a desire for deeper insight.
  • A participant with a background in philosophy describes epistemology as the study of knowledge, emphasizing questions about the nature of knowledge and the uncertainty that arises when considering metaphysical implications.
  • There is a suggestion that the ability to know "the truth" may be limited to personal experience, raising further questions about the nature of knowledge and truth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and interest in epistemology, with some agreeing on the basic concepts while others introduce more complex philosophical questions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the deeper implications of epistemology and its relationship with metaphysics.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the informal nature of their discussions and the potential limitations of their understanding, particularly in relation to formal philosophical education and the complexities of metaphysical questions.

Iacchus32
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Okay, for not having a "formal" background in Philosophy, which as far as I'm concerned doesn't amount to squat (it's not a prerequisite in order to think), could somebody please explain what this means? I suspect it has something to do with how do we know what we know, and how do we ascertain whether it's true or not. Is this anywhere close? Or, is there more of a "formal process" involved?

Any and all replies are welcome. Thanks!
 
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Being in the middle of my final Philosophy class before graduating with my Philosophy major (and my Philosophy of Science Major) I can tell you...that what you said is no more than anything I could have said.

but then, I haven't done any epistemology courses. I did Metaphysics once...damn that was boring!


But yeah, anyway, Ummmm, Epistemology is the ology of epistems. Which is sort of the study of knowledge. *nodz* me use big words.

OK, stop being silly.

Its "what do we know, how do we know that we know it...what is knowledge anyway..."
And then when you ask those questions, it becomes pretty hard not to start falling into metaphysics..."How can we know anything when what we experience may not even be real" Basically, as long as metaphysics is uncertain, then knowledge will never be certain.
 
Yes, but how can we know "the truth" of anything, unless we can see it for ourselves? Yes, I think I got it! :wink:

Or, at least that would be a very epistemilogical statement.

Thanks AG.
 

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