Epistemology Flashcards
Define Epistemology
The study of knowledge
What are two reasons that epistemology matters?
Humans may think they (have knowledge) but in reality, it is just belief. If we are studying knowledge, we are studying the truth.
Define knowledge.
Knowledge is a true and justified (w/evidence) belief.
Define belief.
A statement that someone thinks is true.
Define a statement/claim.
A sentence that is either true or false.
Define truth.
A statement that corresponds to reality.
Define evidence.
Any information that indicates a statement is true.
Define proof.
Lots of evidence
Why is the study of knowledge so important?
Because we humans are never (rarely) 100% certain.
What are the four standards of evidence?
- Above 50% (preponderance of the evidence)
- 75% (clear and convincing evidence)
- 90% (proof beyond reasonable doubt)
- 100% (absolute certainty)
What standard of evidence is used in:
- Civil cases
- Criminal cases
- Preponderance of evidence (50% or more)
- Proof beyond a reasonable doubt (90%)
Jack has clear and convincing proof that Jill murdered his dog. Will he win the criminal case?
NO! C&C not enough evidence (75%). Must have proof beyond a reasonable doubt (90%)
How often do courts reach “absolute certainty”?
Never!
Who is the father of Modern philosophy? We are studying one of his texts, what is it called?
- Descartes
- Book of meditations
Meditations
What does Descartes’s first meditation argue?
We do not know anything for certain.
What is Descartes’ Method of Doubt?
A way of searching for certainty by doubting and questioning every reality. Asking oneself: “Is there ANY way that I may be mistaken in my belief?”
What are Descartes’ Two Skeptical Hypotheses concerning his method of doubt?
You may be dreaming
You may be controlled by an evil demon.
What does Descartes’s second meditation argue?
There is only one statement that he has found to be for sure true. “I think, therefore I am.”
What is skepticism according to Descartes in the First Meditation?
Skepticism is the theory that nobody knows anything for sure.
According to the four standards of evidence… Are all opinions equal?
No, as some opinions have more evidence. Thus, some opinions are more truthful.
According to the four standards of evidence… Is evolutionary theory just a theory?
No, because some theories have more evidence than others. Evolutionary Theory is much closer to truth.
Who said: “[a human] is capable of rectifying his mistakes, by discussion and experience. Not by experience alone. There must be discussion, to show how experience is to be interpreted.” -Explain “experience” in this context. -Explain “interpretation” in this context.
John Stewart Mills
Experience refers to observations
Interpretation refers to theories.
What is The Undetermination of Theory?
There are many theories to one observation
In regards to The Undetermination of Theory what do Empiricists emphasize: Rationalists emphasize:
Empiricists emphasize experience and thus observations.
Rationalists emphasize interpretation and thus theories.
