The Foundations of Knowledge: Epistemology and Its Core Concepts

Epistemology: Definition and Centrality

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that analyzes knowledge and determines its origin. Its rise to the center of philosophical reflection was due to two primary reasons:

1. The Importance of Natural Science: The successful progress of natural science, exemplified by Isaac Newton, encouraged the epistemological analysis of such knowledge to determine its effectiveness and possible fallibility.
2. Awareness of Basic Dimensions: Epistemology is considered the foundation upon which other sciences are built.

Defining Knowledge: Opinion, Belief, and Certainty

The concept of knowledge can be understood by distinguishing it from related concepts:

• Opinion: A subjective assessment that cannot be asserted with certainty or proven to others. It is often a personal evaluation of reality.
• Belief: We can distinguish two types of belief:
  1. Doubtful Use (Uso Dubitativo): Expresses that we are not truly sure of the truth of what we are stating.
  2. Assertive Use (Uso Asertivo): We are certain of something, even if we do not have sufficient evidence to prove it objectively.
• Knowledge: A belief of which we are certain and which can be justified by providing reasons. Knowledge is characterized by the belief being objectively true.

Two Fundamental Types of Knowledge

Knowledge or learning is generally categorized into two types:

• Theoretical Knowledge: This is constituted by information that describes and explains the natural and social world around us. It arises from a simple desire for understanding.
• Practical Knowledge: Knowing how to act, involving the manipulation of the environment, the production of goods, or the application of skills.

The Nature and Objectives of Theoretical Knowledge

For Aristotle, theoretical knowledge was disinterested contemplation, pleasurable in itself. Today, it is understood as an apprehension of reality where we not only discover what something is, but also understand why it is.

Theoretical knowledge must describe reality and its characteristics, and subsequently explain that reality. The recognition of causes allows us to achieve the ultimate objectives of theoretical knowledge:

1. Description: Knowing what happens is the first step.
2. Explanation: Understanding the underlying causes.
3. Prediction: Being able to predict future occurrences in reality.

Language and the Acquisition of Knowledge

Language is decisively involved in the understanding of reality. Through language, we receive most of the information that elaborates and shapes our knowledge.