Overview
This lecture introduces epistemology, explores how knowledge is acquired and validated, distinguishes between truth and opinion, and examines three major theories of truth.
Recap of Previous Lesson
- Reflection helps us understand our surroundings using a holistic point of view.
- Ways of philosophical reflection include scientific principles, the Marcelian way, Plato's allegory, and moral theology.
Introduction to Epistemology
- Epistemology is the study of knowledge (from Greek 'episteme' = knowledge, 'logos' = study).
- Its main goals are to discover how we acquire knowledge and validate if it is true.
- Knowledge is a mental state, requiring belief, but not all beliefs are knowledge.
Nature and Acquisition of Knowledge
- Knowledge is familiarity gained through experience, retained in the mind.
- Knowledge starts with sense perception—our primary contact with reality.
- Perceptions are grouped into concepts by recognizing similarities and differences.
- Concepts are abstract ideas generalized from specific instances.
- Propositions assert or deny concepts (e.g., "humans can speak").
- Arguments support propositions, involving reasoning called inference.
Validation of Knowledge
- To validate knowledge, retrace the steps: inference, proposition, concept, perception, reality.
- Ultimate foundation for validation is sense perception, but some statements need further proof.
- Consensus (majority agreement) can be used for validation, but is unreliable as it may support falsehoods.
- Actions can also test knowledge (e.g., interacting with someone to judge friendliness).
Truth vs. Opinion
- Truth can be confirmed with independent sources, is factual, and not based on emotions (CIB: Confirmable, Independent, Based on facts).
- Opinion cannot be confirmed, is open to interpretation, and is biased (COBI: Cannot be confirmed, Open to interpretation, Based on emotions, Inherently biased).
Theories of Truth
- Correspondence Theory: A statement is true if it matches reality or facts.
- Coherence Theory: A statement is true if it fits with a system of interconnected beliefs or ideas.
- Pragmatic Theory: A statement is true if it is useful or has practical applications in the real world.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Epistemology — The study of knowledge and how it is acquired and validated.
- Knowledge — Familiarity or awareness gained through experience and retained in the mind.
- Belief — Conviction or acceptance that something is true, necessary for knowledge but not sufficient.
- Concept — An abstract idea formed by generalizing from specific instances.
- Proposition — A statement that asserts or denies something.
- Argument — Reasoning or logic that supports a proposition.
- Inference — The process of drawing a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.
- CIB — Criteria for identifying truth: Confirmable, Independent, Based on facts.
- COBI — Criteria for identifying opinion: Cannot be confirmed, Open to interpretation, Based on emotions, Inherently biased.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for the next lesson by reviewing notes on epistemology and the theories of truth.
- Practice distinguishing between truth and opinion in media sources.
- Complete any assigned reading on the philosophical theories discussed.