epistemology
ih-PISS-tuh-MOL-uh-jee
/ɪˌpɪs.təˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/
The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge.
Asks 'How do we know what we know?' rather than investigating what physical objects exist.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 19th century by Scottish philosopher James Frederick Ferrier, combining Greek 'episteme' (true understanding) with '-logia' (study of), explicitly to pair against 'ontology'.
Word relationships
- theory of knowledge: Theory of knowledge is a plain English equivalent used interchangeably in academic settings.
Commonly confused with
- ontology: Ontology studies what exists, whereas epistemology studies how we acquire valid knowledge about existence.
Word family
- epistemological (adjective): Relating to the theory or study of knowledge.
- epistemologist (noun): A philosopher specializing in epistemology.
Collocations
- epistemology of science
- social epistemology
- evolutionary epistemology
Example sentences
- "Epistemology investigates whether true belief requires absolute certainty or merely adequate justification." Academic Philosophy
Memory hook
E-PISTEM-ology: STEM fields seek solid episteme (knowledge). The study of knowing.
When not to use
Do not confuse with ontology (the study of existence) or ethics (the study of morality).
Fun facts
- Ferrier coined 'epistemology' in 1854 because he felt English lacked a precise word for the theory of knowledge.
Related words
Explore more words
epistemic, fallibilism, agnosticism, rationalism, relativism, positivism
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