Epistemology

What is Epistemology?

The word "Philosophy" comes from Greek:

• ἐπιστήμη ("episteme") = "knowledge"
• λόγος ("logos") = "word"

So "Epistem" + "ology" literally means "Words about Knowledge." Epistemology encompasses what Knowledge is, whether and how humans can interact with Knowledge, and systems of organizing knowledge so that humans can make use of it.

Epistemology relates to Metaphysics because Reality (i.e. what truly exists) and what/how one knows about that reality are closely related questions.

Epistemology relates to Logic because Knowledge plays an essential role in Reason.

Epistemology Concepts

• Knowledge
• Metacognition
• Truth (and Absolute Truth)
• Understanding

Topics in Epistemology

• On the Nature of Knowledge

Related Topics in Other Fields

Positions held or rejected under Epistemology can affect the following sub-fields under Applied Philosophy:

• Philosophy of Education
• Philosophy of Education
• Philosophy of Science

Additional Resources