Epistemology-Specific Terms

Question 1

1.justification

Answer 1

The reasons or evidence supporting a belief.

“Her belief that the new policy would improve employee morale was justified by the positive feedback received during the staff meetings”.

Question 2

2.Belief

Answer 2

A mental state of accepting something as true.

“His belief in the power of kindness motivated him to volunteer regularly at the local shelter”.

Question 3

3.Knowledge

Answer 3

Traditionally defined as a justified true belief (JTB).

“She knows that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level because she has conducted experiments that confirm this fact, and it aligns with established scientific principles”.

Question 4

4.Truth

Answer 4

A proposition that corresponds with reality.

“The statement “the earth revolves around the Sun’ is a truth supported by extensive scientific evidence and observations”.

Question 5

5.Skepticism

Answer 5

The doubt regarding the possibility of true knowledge.

“His skepticism about the effectiveness of the new vaccine led him to research its clinical trials and consult with medical experts before making a decision”.

Question 6

6.Empiricism

Answer 6

The theory that knowledge is primarily gained through sensory experience.

“Empiricism guided the researchers’ approach, they relied on experimental data and observable evidence to draw conclusions about the effects of the new drug”.

Question 7

7.Rationalism

Answer 7

The theory that reason is the primary source of knowledge.

“Her rationalism led her to conclude that mathematical truths, such as the Pythagorean theorem, could be known through logical deduction, independent of sensory experience”.

Question 8

8.Coherentism

Answer 8

The view that beliefs are justified if they cohere with other beliefs in a system.

“His belief in the importance of environmental conservation was supported by a web of interconnected ideas, including scientific research, ethical consideration, and personal experiences, demonstrating the coherent ist view, that knowledge is validated through the consistency of beliefs within a system”.

Question 9

9.Foundationalism

Answer 9

The fact that certain beliefs justify other beliefs.

“According to Foundationalism, basic beliefs such as “I exist” or “I have sensory experiences” serve as the secure foundation for building all other knowledge, providing certainty that supports more complex ideas”.