Knowledge Acquisition PHE 498 Epistemology n A branch
Knowledge Acquisition PHE 498
Epistemology n A branch of philosophy which deals with the basic question: “How do we come to know”. Knowledge acquisition applies some form of SYSTEM. That is, there is some form of systematic application to impart knowledge.
Sources of Knowledge Experience n Authority n Deductive Reasoning n Inductive reasoning n Scientific Method n
Experience Based on ______ n Shortcomings: n Verification n Replication n Personal System n
Authority Based on position of expertise, e. g. , lawyer n Based on position of power, e. g. , school superintendent. n Shortcomings n How does authority (be careful when addressing authority) n
Deductive Reasoning n n Thinking process in which one proceeds from general to specific statements using prescribed rules of logic. Henceforth, the application of a syllogism. Example: n n n All men are mortal The king is a man Therefore, the king is mortal
Deductive Reasoning How is truth determined in deductive reasoning? n What would be some shortcomings of deductive reasoning as a source to acquire knowledge? n
Inductive Reasoning Observations are made and inferences are developed based on the collected observations. n Truth is derived through the senses most notably empirical evidence. n Every rabbit that has ever been observed has lungs. Therefore, every rabbit has lungs. n
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