Epistemology Philosophical Theory Study

Epistemology Philosophical Theory

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Epistemology Philosophical Theory
Epistemology is a branch of philosophy that refers to the study of knowledge and its acquisition which seeks to discover specific aspects of reality, what is known, and how it was known. As a branch of philosophy, epistemology attempts to define the various forms of cultural studies, cognitive sciences, and science history. Essentially, the theory illustrates the connections of our minds to reality, what is either valid or invalid, and what is required to differentiate between the truth, errors, and false beliefs as we garner knowledge from the world (Sosa, 2017). I believe that epistemology assists human beings to pursue the truth as human beings at all times, accept reality and lead successful and meaningful lives. I concur with the arguments of the epistemology theory as it provides solid reasoning to the nature of known reality and different processes of reasoning, enabling us to discover the relationship between truth, rational belief, knowledge, and evidence.
several different approaches and types of epistemology. Nonetheless, there are two major schools of thought about the theory of knowledge, including rationalism and empiricism. In the history of philosophy, Kant arguably had one of the most challenging perspectives of epistemology. His point of view harked back Platos initial idea of epistemology wherein he argued whenever the primary perception of the world as perceived by human beings is mostly based on the appearance of things instead of seeing things as they are. Kant argued that time, color, and the various aspects of existence that most people take for granted are vivid projections that people cover regarding reality to make reality itself more understandable.
Notably, Kant believed that reality is generated and exists according to human perceptions instead of other external forces or unchanging truth. This presents Kant as a philosopher who was an empiricist and realist. I believe in his primary argument that knowledge is a process that emanates from experiences, that makes us garner invaluable lessons from what we go through. In the case of an encounter, we first have to go through it to process the happenings in our minds and process the information resulting from the experience. In life, we apply knowledge obtained from previous experiences to resonate with new experiences. I believe that memories from past experiences allow us to relate to similar encounters and incorporate new knowledge.
Plato is regarded as the pioneer of the epistemology theory who believed that knowledge needs to be unchanging. He was specifically skeptical concerning the ability of humans to obtain knowledge about the world solely through their senses. Still, he believed that the real and physical world is a mere representation of a different realm (Sosa, 2017). For Plato, the real world included forms and realms that were perfect and unchanging versions of objects and ideas, ultimately contributing to human knowledge. In this case, I agree with Platos position that when individuals acquire true knowledge, it will be difficult for them to view the world the same way they used to. The their lives, making them seem rather ignorant to people who are oblivious to reality.
For Descartes, true knowledge revolves around rationalism and presenting a radical view while acquiring knowledge. Introducing skepticism, Descartes argued that all innate knowledge comes from the higher power of God (Roos & Von Krogh, 2016). Descartes argued that the only thing that he could not doubt was his very existence to define his connection with knowledge. He believed that sensory experiences can always be questioned and presented a different view of each facet of reality. Taking his position, Descartes believed in his existence as unchanging and his ability to make rational thoughts due to his belief and trust in a benevolent God. Further, he argued that human beings could cast doubt on all things. Although it is illogical to doubt everything and all happenings of life, I agree that rationalism is a vital constituent of logical arguments. All our reflective arguments are based on a clear perception, therefore I am what I perceive myself in a mental state.
Bertrand Russell believed in a practical approach towards knowledge. He illustrated knowledge using description to distinguish knowledge acquisition by truth and acquaintance, thus finding the connection between the two. He believed that knowledge results from doubt by emphasizing that the are prone to doubt due to their sole inferences (Roos & Von Krogh, 2016). Russell further argued that it is always essential to demonstrate how every questionable entity may be defined in terms of other entities with more individual existences through the example of an ordinary physical object such as a table. I agree with his position as he clearly explained that an object could be perceived differently. In matters of appearance and reality, the distinction can easily be discovered. Particularly, the appearance of an object is a matter of opinion that can be altered with its positioning and lighting. Still, its reality is a matter of fact which is unchanging. I believe that the world is not solely a matter of inferences since there are things that we are certain about without asking for others opinions or inferences.
Conclusively, epistemology is a critical branch of philosophy that enables us to understand knowledge and its acquisition. The various philosophers present solid and practical perspectives about understanding the different experiences of others. Epistemology is important in helping us evaluate and distinguish between what we perceive and see as well as assess between what is true and false, enabling us to gain true and productive knowledge.

References
Roos, J., & Von Krogh, G. (2016).Organizational epistemology. Springer.
Sosa, E. (2017).Epistemology. Princeton University Press.