Knowledge
Metaphysics
A branch of philosophy that deals with abstract theory. e.g. Being, knowing, time and space.
Epistemology
The theory of knowledge. E.g. how do we know we are right and something is real?
What is truth?
And
What is opinion?
Task 1
Write down definitions of the following words:
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Fact
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Opinion
Challenge
Add an example into the definition of each word.
Task 2
Read over the following statements hidden in the boxes.
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Make a note of the Statement number and write down whether or not the statement is fact OR opinion.
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Once done write down beside 3 to 5 of them why it is a statement/fact.
1.
Santa Exists
4.
God Exists.
7.
Blondes are stupid.
2.
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland.
5.
Edinburgh is in Scotland.
8.
Parallel line never meet.
3.
7 x 2 = 14
6.
Teachers have absolutely no dress sense.
9.
School lunch food is really tasty.
Why are we doing this?
Knowledge
Once you have knowledge you can start looking at even more mind bending ideas. Such as:​
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How do you know your parents are really your parents?
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How do you know you are not dreaming right now?
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How do you know things do not disappear when you are not looking at them?
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How do you know you even exist at all?
Epistemology
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In epistemology if there is any doubt at all about the knowledge belief then the knowledge becomes uncertain and cannot be trusted or claimed to be true.
If there is a rotten, maggot infested apple in a basket full of apples, you are more likely to throw out the whole basket of apples, rather than check each individual one for maggots.
In other words
This is important for when laws are made. If they are made based on uncertain claims then unjust laws are created. e.g. Jim Crow Laws (state and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the USA in the late 19th and early 20th century.)
Real Life Application
Task 3
Read over the statements below.
Write down the statement number.
Beside each statement write down the evidence to prove it and the evidence that casts doubt on it.
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The first one has been done for you.
1.
Santa Exists.
Evidence: Parents + presents.
Doubt: Invented story
2.
Are you dreaming right now?
Evidence:
Doubt:
3.
How do you know you even exist?
Evidence:
Doubt:
4.
Do things disappear when we don't look at them?
Evidence:
Doubt:
Task 4
A quick test. Try not to look at your notes/further up this page for answers.
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What is meant by epistemology?
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What is an example of a fact?
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What is an example of an opinion?
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Why is it important to not mak knowledge claims on untrue statements?
What Exactly is Knowledge?
JTB
What do you think knowledge is?
In philosophy knowledge is justified, true belief.
Task 5
Let us practice JTB. Below there are 7 different statements.
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Copy down the number of the statement and then fill in the blanks.
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Look over statements 1 and 2 for help on what to do.
1. All roses are red.
True: True
Do you believe it?: Yes
Evidence reliable: Yes
4. The Earth is flat.
True:
Do you believe it?:
Evidence reliable:
7. 2 + 2 =4
True:
Do you believe it?:
Evidence reliable:
2. All Scotsmen have ginger hair.
True: False
Do you believe it?: No
Evidence reliable: No
5. Elvis is alive.
True:
Do you believe it?:
Evidence reliable:
8. Everest is the highest mountain on Earth
True:
Do you believe it?:
Evidence reliable:
3. Oranges are orange.
True:
Do you believe it?:
Evidence reliable:
6. God Exists.
True:
Do you believe it?:
Evidence reliable:
9. Racism is wrong.
True:
Do you believe it?:
Evidence reliable: