Overview
This lecture covers key theories and tests of truth in Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and foundational epistemology concepts including Justified True Belief (JTB), skepticism, and challenges to knowledge.
Theories of Truth
- The coherence theory of truth evaluates ideas by how logically consistent they are with established truths.
- The correspondence theory of truth states that scientific laws and theories are true if they mirror events in the physical world.
- The pragmatic theory of truth defines truth as what works or is practical in real life.
- The consensus theory of truth holds that something is true if most people agree it is, but this is considered unreliable by philosophers.
Foundations of Knowledge (Epistemology)
- Justified True Belief (JTB) defines knowledge as holding a true belief with sufficient justification: (i) belief, (ii) truth, (iii) justification.
- The Gettier Problem challenges the idea that JTB is sufficient for knowledge by presenting cases where all three are present but knowledge seems absent.
- Radical skepticism is the view that knowledge is probably impossible due to the possibility of being mistaken.
- Fallibilism is recognizing what is not known and acknowledging the possibility of error.
- Dogmatism is rigidly assuming principles are unquestionably true, regardless of evidence or differing opinions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Coherence theory of truth — Consistency with existing knowledge defines truth.
- Correspondence theory of truth — Truth matches with objective reality or facts.
- Pragmatic theory of truth — Truth is based on practical outcomes.
- Consensus theory of truth — Truth is determined by general agreement.
- Justified True Belief — Knowledge requires belief, truth, and justification.
- Gettier Problem — Philosophical scenarios showing JTB may not guarantee knowledge.
- Radical Skepticism — The belief that knowledge might be impossible.
- Fallibilism — Accepting the possibility of error and limits of one's knowledge.
- Dogmatism — Insisting beliefs are true without considering alternatives or evidence.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review classic Gettier cases to understand challenges to JTB.
- Reflect on examples from each truth theory in daily knowledge claims.
- Prepare responses for which truth theory you find most convincing and why.