Epistemology has been questioned by thinkers, investigated by scientists, studied by theologians, and discussed by prominent philosophers. The concept closely intertwines with human life because it encompasses the attainment of truth or knowledge. What is right or wrong and one’s idea of morals are perceived from different viewpoints - whether through the senses, personal experiences, or otherwise – but are reflected in one’s lifestyle. The epistemological threads that are seen in philosophy, theology, and science are not just understandings of the how one knows things but are demonstrated in the lives of those who believe. Because truth influences how one lives and thinks, the major aspects integrated in one’s life such as family, church,
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Traditional and unique to the epistemological significance seen in other characters, Ophelia doesn’t use methods of observance or inquiry to acquire truth but finds answers in the male figures close to her eluding to the patriarchal environment of the time. Laertes tells Ophelia that Hamlet, being a young prince, will not give her the attention she needs and that he exceeds her in years (lines 11-43). Polonius also looks less favorably on Hamlet and both men encourage her not to think highly of Hamlet’s affection. To this advice, Ophelia submits (lines 44-45; 136). The counsel of Laertes and Polonius does not answer Ophelia’s curiosity about Hamlet’s true feelings but her acceptance of them and diminished desire to search further shows how such a quest for truth limits her freedom to reason on her own and take individual action. Ophelia’s example once again reflects a patriarchal society in which femininity has little prominence. Her human agency is also weakened by her trust in her brother and father’s will. Martin Luther uses the same dimension of trust pointing to truth as Ophelia demonstrated but Luther connects trust with freedom as a stronger source for gaining …show more content…
This method differs from Ophelia’s in that one’s agential powers are increased rather than weakened. Since faith is central in a Christian’s life, Martin Luther describes one’s decision to believe in God as an individual act in itself and once one believes in God, he receives freedom from condemnation of the law of God (pg. 59). Even though people find truth through influential factors in their lives in which they value or trust, a stronger source of truth is one that will liberate human agency and better benefit individuals for the sake of how such lives are lived. From personal experience, this way of acquiring truth has been evident in my life and is the reason why I find it to be true. Being a Christian, I must believe on Christ for myself and no one else can believe for me. I am free from the bonds of doing what the law commands because the commands are a product of my belief and not a separate entity of my own capabilities. Putting trust or faith in my family, academics, or situations does help me better understand truth but if my freedom and ability to reason is squandered, the truth I gain will not be what I need to know or for better benefit making the truth in itself
Traditional and unique to the epistemological significance seen in other characters, Ophelia doesn’t use methods of observance or inquiry to acquire truth but finds answers in the male figures close to her eluding to the patriarchal environment of the time. Laertes tells Ophelia that Hamlet, being a young prince, will not give her the attention she needs and that he exceeds her in years (lines 11-43). Polonius also looks less favorably on Hamlet and both men encourage her not to think highly of Hamlet’s affection. To this advice, Ophelia submits (lines 44-45; 136). The counsel of Laertes and Polonius does not answer Ophelia’s curiosity about Hamlet’s true feelings but her acceptance of them and diminished desire to search further shows how such a quest for truth limits her freedom to reason on her own and take individual action. Ophelia’s example once again reflects a patriarchal society in which femininity has little prominence. Her human agency is also weakened by her trust in her brother and father’s will. Martin Luther uses the same dimension of trust pointing to truth as Ophelia demonstrated but Luther connects trust with freedom as a stronger source for gaining …show more content…
This method differs from Ophelia’s in that one’s agential powers are increased rather than weakened. Since faith is central in a Christian’s life, Martin Luther describes one’s decision to believe in God as an individual act in itself and once one believes in God, he receives freedom from condemnation of the law of God (pg. 59). Even though people find truth through influential factors in their lives in which they value or trust, a stronger source of truth is one that will liberate human agency and better benefit individuals for the sake of how such lives are lived. From personal experience, this way of acquiring truth has been evident in my life and is the reason why I find it to be true. Being a Christian, I must believe on Christ for myself and no one else can believe for me. I am free from the bonds of doing what the law commands because the commands are a product of my belief and not a separate entity of my own capabilities. Putting trust or faith in my family, academics, or situations does help me better understand truth but if my freedom and ability to reason is squandered, the truth I gain will not be what I need to know or for better benefit making the truth in itself