Kuliah 6 Epistemologi

Summary

This lecture focuses on epistemology, the study of knowledge. It delves into questions such as what knowledge is, how we acquire it, and whether we truly possess it. The script explores various sources of knowledge, including reason, experience, perception, and even divine revelation. Theories like empiricism, rationalism, and skepticism are examined, with examples such as understanding the salinity of salt through taste or learning cooking skills. The video also touches on different philosophical perspectives on knowledge, presenting a comprehensive overview of how humans acquire and justify their beliefs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Epistemology explores the nature and limits of knowledge, focusing on questions like 'What is knowledge?', 'How do we acquire knowledge?', and 'Can we be certain of our knowledge?'
• 😀 The core of epistemology involves examining sources of knowledge, such as sensory experiences, reasoning, and divine revelation.
• 😀 Empiricism emphasizes knowledge gained from sensory experience, like tasting salt to understand its taste.
• 😀 Rationalism asserts that knowledge is primarily derived from reason and intellectual processes, not from external experiences.
• 😀 Pragmatism defines truth as something understood through practical application and real-world use, validating knowledge based on its effectiveness.
• 😀 Skepticism questions whether true knowledge is possible, suggesting that we can never be fully certain of what we know.
• 😀 Descartes' philosophy, notably 'I think, therefore I am', emphasizes the role of reasoning in establishing certain knowledge.
• 😀 Hume argued that knowledge comes from experience and that we can only know what we perceive, not the underlying reality.
• 😀 Kant proposed that while our senses provide knowledge, our mind plays a crucial role in shaping how we perceive and understand the world.
• 😀 The lecture highlights different theories such as idealism (knowledge comes from the mind) versus empiricism (knowledge comes from the senses), and discusses divine revelation as a potential source of knowledge.

Q & A

What is epistemology, and where does the term originate from?

Epistemology is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge. The term originates from two Greek words: 'episteme' meaning knowledge and 'logos' meaning study or discourse.

What are the three main questions addressed by epistemology?

The three main questions in epistemology are: What is knowledge? How do we acquire knowledge? And do we truly possess knowledge?

What example is given in the script to illustrate knowledge acquisition?

An example given in the script is the acquisition of the knowledge that salt is salty. This knowledge is gained through sensory experience, specifically by tasting the salt.

How does experience contribute to the formation of knowledge according to the script?

Experience, particularly sensory experiences, plays a crucial role in forming knowledge. The script emphasizes that knowledge is often derived from personal experiences and sensory perceptions, such as tasting, seeing, or hearing.

What does the script say about the relationship between belief and knowledge?

According to the script, for someone to be said to have knowledge, they must hold a belief that can be justified. Knowledge involves justified true belief, meaning the belief must be true and supported by evidence.

What is the difference between 'knowing how' and 'knowing that' in epistemology?

'Knowing how' refers to practical knowledge or skills, such as knowing how to cook or knowing how to make something. 'Knowing that' refers to factual knowledge, such as knowing that salt is salty or that it is raining outside.

What is the concept of 'justified true belief' in epistemology?

The concept of 'justified true belief' is a theory in epistemology that suggests for a belief to qualify as knowledge, it must be true, the individual must believe it, and there must be justification for that belief, such as evidence or reasoning.

What does the script say about the sources of knowledge?

The script outlines several sources of knowledge: reason (rationalism), sensory experience (empiricism), intuition (heart), divine revelation (wahyu), and testimony (from others). These are seen as different ways of acquiring knowledge.

How does rationalism differ from empiricism in acquiring knowledge?

Rationalism argues that knowledge is derived primarily from reason and intellectual processes, while empiricism holds that knowledge is acquired through sensory experiences. These two perspectives represent opposing views on the origin of knowledge.

What role does skepticism play in epistemology according to the script?

Skepticism in epistemology questions the possibility of acquiring true knowledge. It challenges whether we can truly know anything, casting doubt on the certainty of our knowledge and the reliability of sensory experience or reasoning.