Epistemology is the theory of knowledge which aims to answer the question “How do we know?” In epistemology, we study nature, source, limits and validity of all knowledge. More specifically, epistemology considers the question “What is Knowledge?” and how does one obtain knowledge. Knowledge is the awareness and understanding of specific aspects of truth, belief and justification. Knowledge acquisition can be obtained through epistemology through a rationalism or empiricism approach. I will research and analyze the question “How do you know?” and develop my perspective on epistemology. Do you learn from logic, like Plato or through experience like John Locke? I will describe the Rationalist and Empiricist approach and summarize several epistemological
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As no one specific belief is correct several philosophers have comparable views of epistemology. The difference between rationalism and empiricism is not as clear-cut as proposed. Rationalist were committed to empirical sciences and may have been close to Descartes methods. The question “How do we know?” has been transformed by empiricist and have changed the experimental method for today’s society. Descartes contributions are huge and very important to science and philosophy. In his book, Rules for the Direction of the Mind, Descartes “presented mathematics as the universal science that explains everything we look for with order and method” (1628). Descartes and Locke have similar views about human ideas; however many philosophers ideas contrast within epistemology. Contrasted with rationalism which states knowledge is obtained from “experience and by deduction” (Gill 57). I agree with the epistemology of empiricism. There is not much reason to believe and accept the innate theory. We are all born with clear minds allowing for individuals to gain as much knowledge as the brain can hold. The first process of learning is through the use of our senses and being able to recall what has been taught. Through my research and analysis on epistemology I have found myself aligning with the empiricism …show more content…
Epistemology answers the question “How do you know” and obtain knowledge. Do you gain knowledge through innate ideas or senses? Rationalism and empiricism are two forms of knowledge acquisition and are direct opposites of each other. Rationalism is the belief in innate ideas, reason, and deduction. Empiricism is the belief in sense perception, induction, and that there are no innate ideas. Rationalist are certain knowledge is gained from experience and our senses. Empiricists are certain knowledge is gained through experiences, evidence, and sensory perception. Descartes is an example of a rationalist and uses the wax experiment to prove knowledge is innate and present from birth. Locke argued that we were born with a clean slate and we only gain knowledge through senses or imprints in our lives. I believe the epistemological question is answered through the empiricist theory that knowledge is gained through experience, evidence and
As no one specific belief is correct several philosophers have comparable views of epistemology. The difference between rationalism and empiricism is not as clear-cut as proposed. Rationalist were committed to empirical sciences and may have been close to Descartes methods. The question “How do we know?” has been transformed by empiricist and have changed the experimental method for today’s society. Descartes contributions are huge and very important to science and philosophy. In his book, Rules for the Direction of the Mind, Descartes “presented mathematics as the universal science that explains everything we look for with order and method” (1628). Descartes and Locke have similar views about human ideas; however many philosophers ideas contrast within epistemology. Contrasted with rationalism which states knowledge is obtained from “experience and by deduction” (Gill 57). I agree with the epistemology of empiricism. There is not much reason to believe and accept the innate theory. We are all born with clear minds allowing for individuals to gain as much knowledge as the brain can hold. The first process of learning is through the use of our senses and being able to recall what has been taught. Through my research and analysis on epistemology I have found myself aligning with the empiricism …show more content…
Epistemology answers the question “How do you know” and obtain knowledge. Do you gain knowledge through innate ideas or senses? Rationalism and empiricism are two forms of knowledge acquisition and are direct opposites of each other. Rationalism is the belief in innate ideas, reason, and deduction. Empiricism is the belief in sense perception, induction, and that there are no innate ideas. Rationalist are certain knowledge is gained from experience and our senses. Empiricists are certain knowledge is gained through experiences, evidence, and sensory perception. Descartes is an example of a rationalist and uses the wax experiment to prove knowledge is innate and present from birth. Locke argued that we were born with a clean slate and we only gain knowledge through senses or imprints in our lives. I believe the epistemological question is answered through the empiricist theory that knowledge is gained through experience, evidence and