1. Knowledge
Theories of Knowledge

2. Theories of Knowledge RATIONALISM EMPIRICISM SKEPTICISM
TRANSCENDENTAL IDEALISM
SCIENTISM  

3. Rationalism
Epistemological theory that maintains knowledge can be gained through a priori (devoid of senses) means
Reasoning as the only reliable source of knowledge
Totally deductive
Knowledge exists in the mind

4. Empiricism
Knowledge gained through senses (a posteriori) – all thoughts must be experienced
Experience and evidence as the source of knowledge
The mind is a tabula rasa at birth. An object of experience has primary and secondary qualities (Locke, 1690)
Fundamental to scientific method using observation and experiments as primary methods

5. Skepticism
Perceptions are sensations that only exists in the mind. Physical objects don’t exist. (Barkely, 1710)
Not much is known for certain – skepticism. The mind is a cohesive mass of swirling successive perceptions that happens somewhere undetermined (Hume, 1738)

6. Skepticism Avoid Statement of final truth
Suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism
True knowledge is uncertain
Propositions
inquiry or assumption
methodology
arbitrariness, relativity, or subjectivity of values
the limitations of knowledge,

7. Transcendental Idealism (Kant)
Rules of thought – categories are necessary for understanding
Human think with the structured brain that arrange, order and connect elements
Two sources of knowledge
receptive capacity - sensibility
conceptual capacity – understanding
Humans experience objects within space and time
Concepts - products of human experience, cannot be experienced directly, but are organized to enable empirical concepts and judgments
Is it even possible to know what is really real?

8. Scientism Science (natural) as an access to truth (knowledge)
The sole authority in interpreting the universe.
Total reliance on the scientific method using inductive methods as the only source of knowledge
Science has no boundaries and all aspects of life can be explained through science.