Epistemology: How Do I Know? | Episode 1807 | Closer To Truth

Summary

In this philosophical exploration, Robert Lawrence Kuhn delves into the nature of knowledge and belief, questioning the very essence of what can be known and how. Through dialogues with experts in epistemology, metaphysics, and theology, the discussion navigates skepticism, the limits of self-knowledge, and the role of evidence in both science and religion. The conversation challenges the boundaries of human understanding, ultimately suggesting that knowledge is a complex tapestry of beliefs, experiences, and justifications that may extend beyond the physical world.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The script explores deep philosophical questions about the nature of knowledge, reality, and belief, emphasizing the quest for understanding complex concepts like consciousness, God, and multiple universes.
• 🎓 Robert Lawrence Kuhn introduces the importance of epistemology, which is the study of knowledge and justification, as a means to differentiate between belief and knowledge.
• 📚 Philosopher Robert Audi suggests that knowledge is more than just belief; it involves a belief connected with the fact known in the right way, emphasizing the role of causality and evidence in the formation of knowledge.
• 🧐 The script discusses the limitations of self-knowledge, acknowledging that while we may be certain of our immediate sensations, our deeper beliefs may not always align with our behaviors or true feelings.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Meghan Sullivan, a metaphysics philosopher, shares her sympathy with Descartes' skepticism, highlighting the biases in our thinking and the difficulty of accessing certain knowledge.
• 🔬 The role of skepticism in philosophical inquiry is examined, with the suggestion that while it can lead to doubt, it also pushes us to question and critically assess our beliefs and the evidence supporting them.
• 🌐 Bas van Fraassen, a philosopher of science, points out the paradox of knowledge, suggesting that while common sense tells us we know much, closer examination reveals that the nature of knowledge is contextual and less clear-cut.
• 🧬 The script touches on the idea that scientific knowledge is based on probability and likelihood, rather than absolute certainty, and that this approach can also be applied to understanding religious and spiritual experiences.
• 👨‍🏫 Louis Caruana discusses the role of testimony in knowledge, particularly in religious contexts, and argues against the reduction of religious beliefs to mere wishful thinking by emphasizing the holistic nature of belief systems.
• 🙏 David Bentley Hart, a theological philosopher, differentiates between knowing about God and knowing God, suggesting that while God may be infinitely unknowable, there are aspects of God's nature that can be positively affirmed and experienced.
• 🔮 The script concludes by reflecting on the nature of knowledge, suggesting that while it may not be as solid as bedrock, it is also not as unstable as quicksand, and that a fearless approach is needed to get closer to the truth.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Closer to Truth' series presented by Robert Lawrence Kuhn?

The main theme of 'Closer to Truth' is an exploration of deep philosophical and scientific questions, including the nature of consciousness, the existence of God, and the fundamental concepts of knowledge and belief.

What is the role of epistemology in the discussion of knowledge?

Epistemology is the theory of knowledge and justification. It deals with what can be known, what counts as knowledge, and how beliefs can be justified or validated.

What is the difference between knowledge and belief according to Robert Audi?

According to Robert Audi, knowledge is a belief that is connected with the fact known in the right way, whereas belief does not necessarily have to be connected to a fact or truth.

How does Robert Audi define justified belief?

Robert Audi defines justified belief as having some ground that supports the proposition, which can be obtained through memory, perception, or reasoning.

What is the significance of the concept of 'justification' in the context of knowledge?

Justification is significant because it is what potentially elevates a belief to the status of knowledge. However, justified beliefs can still be false, so justification alone does not guarantee knowledge.

What is the role of skepticism in the pursuit of knowledge?

Skepticism challenges the certainty of knowledge, prompting deeper inquiry and critical thinking about the nature of belief and evidence. It can lead to a more rigorous examination of what is considered as 'known'.

How does Meghan Sullivan approach the problem of skepticism?

Meghan Sullivan suggests that while skepticism can be troubling, it is important to acknowledge it and then continue to trust one's beliefs to some extent, especially when it comes to deeply held beliefs like religious faith.

What is the difference between a priori knowledge and empirical knowledge?

A priori knowledge is knowledge that is independent of experience, often gained through reason or reflection, such as in the case of logical knowledge or pure mathematics. Empirical knowledge, on the other hand, is based on experience and observation of the world.

What is the role of testimony in the context of religious knowledge?

In the context of religious knowledge, testimony is a source of epistemological justification. It involves relying on the accounts and experiences of others, which is a common practice in religious traditions.

How does Bas van Fraassen approach the concept of knowledge in scientific inquiry?

Bas van Fraassen, as a philosopher of science, approaches knowledge in scientific inquiry with a focus on probability, considering what is more or less likely based on evidence and experience.

What is the concept of holism in the context of scientific theories and religious beliefs?

Holism in this context refers to the interconnectedness of various affirmations within a theory or belief system. When counter-evidence affects one part, the system can be adjusted in other parts to maintain coherence, just as in both scientific theories and religious beliefs.

What is the apophatic view in the context of understanding God?

The apophatic view is the idea that we can only know what God is not, rather than what God is. It is a negative way of understanding the divine by recognizing the limitations of our concepts and language in describing the infinite nature of God.

How does David Bentley Hart differentiate between knowing about God and knowing God?

David Bentley Hart differentiates by stating that knowing about God involves understanding the effects and operations of God in the world, such as recognizing God as the creator. Knowing God, on the other hand, is a direct encounter or intimate union that transcends intellectual understanding and is deeply personal and spiritual.