1. The nature of knowledge
Chapter 2
The nature of knowledge
p. 23
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2. Definition of ‘knowledge’
Justified true belief
p. 24
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Knowledge
100% certain truth, beyond any doubt.
It is difficult to be this sure.
p. 24
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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.
p. 25
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5. Justification: four ways of knowing
Perception
Language
Emotion
Reason
Beware: reliability may be questionable.
pp. 26–8
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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.
pp. 28–9
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7. 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).
p. 30
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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).
p. 31–4
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1 Culture
Cultural beliefs and practices may determine choices.
Progress in any area of knowledge may require the questioning of cultural beliefs.
Discussion: Activity 2.5, p. 31
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2 School
‘Good’ schools may be considered to be those that encourage students to question rather than just indoctrinating them.
Discussion: Activity 2.6, p. 32
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3 Internet
We have little/no control of the content.
May look impressively convincing, even if the content is rubbish.
Discussion: Activity 2.7, p. 33
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4 Expert opinion
We need experts, but they are not always right.
Experts are only experts in their own field.
Discussion: Activity 2.8, p. 34
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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.
Discussion: Activity 2.9, p. 36
Linking questions: p. 39
Reading resources:
Rational and intuitive knowledge p. 40
Brecht’s Galileo p. 42
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