Transcript CHAPTER 2
Chapter 2 The nature of knowledge © Cambridge University Press 2011 Definition of ‘knowledge’ • Justified true belief © Cambridge University Press 2011 Knowledge • 100% certain truth, beyond any doubt. • It is difficult to be this sure. © Cambridge University Press 2011 Belief • This is what most people mean by ‘true’: – probable, beyond reasonable doubt (but still not 100% certain) – supported by objective evidence – may not have experienced it yourself so may have to believe others. © Cambridge University Press 2011 Justification: four ways of knowing • • • • Perception Language Emotion Reason Beware: reliability may be questionable. © Cambridge University Press 2011 Levels of knowledge • Just when you think you know about something, you learn about it in more depth and realise your previous knowledge was superficial. – – Information → disconnected facts, e.g. cramming facts for an exam. Knowledge → facts connected by logic to help the facts make sense, e.g. problem-solving. © Cambridge University Press 2011 Second-hand knowledge • Also known as knowledge by authority or knowledge by testimony. • Beware: this may be questionable because it is not first-hand knowledge. • Even first-hand knowledge may be biased by ways of knowing (perception, language, emotion, reason). © Cambridge University Press 2011 Language • Language enables us to pass on our beliefs and practices to each other through: – – – – – culture school Internet expert opinion news media. • Beware: question the reliability of the sources (avoid authority worship). © Cambridge University Press 2011 1 Culture • Cultural beliefs and practices may determine choices. • Progress in any area of knowledge may require the questioning of cultural beliefs. © Cambridge University Press 2011 2 School • ‘Good’ schools may be considered to be those that encourage students to question rather than just indoctrinating them. © Cambridge University Press 2011 3 Internet • We have little/no control of the content. • May look impressively convincing, even if the content is rubbish. © Cambridge University Press 2011 4 Expert opinion • We need experts, but they are not always right. • Experts are only experts in their own field. © Cambridge University Press 2011 5 News media • Stories mostly get into the news if they are extraordinary, concerned with the misfortunes of others, or relevant to local people, and will therefore ‘sell’ newspapers or attract viewers. • Many people choose news sources that reflect their prejudices/opinions, thus reinforcing their views. © Cambridge University Press 2011