Epistemology or theory of knowledge is a branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge. [1] The term was introduced into English by the Scottish philosopher James Frederick Ferrier (1808-1864).[2] Epistemology asks the questions: "What is knowledge?", "How is knowledge acquired?", and "What do people know?"
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to epistemology:
- Main article: Epistemology
- Theories of justification
- Foundationalism - Self-evident basic beliefs justify other non-basic beliefs.
- Coherentism - Beliefs are justified if they cohere with other beliefs a person holds, each belief is justified if it coheres with the overall system of beliefs.
- Internalism - The believer must be able to justify a belief through internal knowledge.
- Externalism - Outside sources of knowledge can be used to justify a belief.
- Skepticism - A variety of viewpoints questioning the possibility of knowledge.
- Minority viewpoints include:
- Common justifiers
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General epistemology concepts
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- ^ Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Volume 3, 1967, Macmillan, Inc.
- ^ Encyclopaedia Britannica Online, 2007
