Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
1
The nature of knowledge
Chapter 2 The nature of knowledge p. 23 © Cambridge University Press 2011
2
Definition of ‘knowledge’
Justified true belief p. 24 © Cambridge University Press 2011
3
© Cambridge University Press 2011
Knowledge 100% certain truth, beyond any doubt. It is difficult to be this sure. p. 24 © Cambridge University Press 2011
4
© 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. p. 25 © Cambridge University Press 2011
5
Justification: four ways of knowing
Perception Language Emotion Reason Beware: reliability may be questionable. pp. 26–8 © Cambridge University Press 2011
6
© 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. pp. 28–9 © Cambridge University Press 2011
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 © Cambridge University Press 2011
8
© 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). p. 31–4 © Cambridge University Press 2011
9
© 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. Discussion: Activity 2.5, p. 31 © Cambridge University Press 2011
10
© Cambridge University Press 2011
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 © Cambridge University Press 2011
11
© Cambridge University Press 2011
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 © Cambridge University Press 2011
12
© Cambridge University Press 2011
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 © Cambridge University Press 2011
13
© 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. Discussion: Activity 2.9, p. 36 Linking questions: p. 39 Reading resources: Rational and intuitive knowledge p. 40 Brecht’s Galileo p. 42 © Cambridge University Press 2011
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.