The Theory of Knowledge and The Scientific Method Part 1

Summary

In this Science, Technology, and Society class, Ma’am Gladys G. Edilo introduces the theory of knowledge and the scientific method. The lesson covers key aspects of epistemology, the study of knowledge, its nature, origin, and limits. It explores the tripartite definition of knowledge—justified true belief (JTB)—and challenges posed by philosopher Edmund Gettier. The lesson further classifies knowledge into three types: propositional (factual), procedural (how-to), and personal (experience-based). Through these distinctions, the lecture emphasizes the importance of knowledge in both practical and theoretical contexts.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Knowledge is a natural human craving that we seek through various means, like reading and watching videos.
• 📚 Epistemology is the philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge, originating from the Greek word 'episteme' for knowledge.
• 🔍 Knowledge is instrumentally useful for explaining, controlling, and predicting the natural world, but we also value knowledge for its own sake, even when it has no practical use.
• 🤔 Knowing something is different from just believing it. Knowledge is tied to truth, whereas beliefs can sometimes be false.
• ✅ The tripartite definition of knowledge (JTB) states that knowledge is justified true belief, meaning it must be a belief that coincides with reality and has supporting evidence.
• 📝 Edmund Gettier challenged the JTB theory by demonstrating cases where justified true belief may still not qualify as knowledge, like the water mirage example.
• 🗂️ Philosophers classify knowledge into three categories: propositional knowledge (knowledge of facts), procedural knowledge (knowing how to do something), and personal knowledge (knowledge gained through experience).
• 📊 Propositional knowledge involves facts, like knowing that a triangle has three sides or that Paris is the capital of France.
• 🛠️ Procedural knowledge is knowing how to perform tasks, like riding a bike or swimming.
• 🤝 Personal knowledge involves firsthand experience or acquaintance, such as recognizing emotions or knowing a person directly.

Q & A

Who is the instructor of the class mentioned in the transcript?

The instructor is Ma’am Gladys G. Edilo.

What are the main objectives of the class session?

By the end of the session, students should be able to define knowledge, classify its categories, and familiarize themselves with the scientific method.

What is epistemology, and where does the term originate?

Epistemology is the philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge. The term originates from the Greek word 'episteme,' meaning knowledge.

What is the tripartite definition of knowledge?

The tripartite definition of knowledge is 'justified true belief' (JTB), which means knowledge is a belief that coincides with reality and has ample evidence to support it.

How does Gettier challenge the tripartite theory of knowledge?

In 1963, Edmund Gettier challenged the tripartite theory by presenting cases where justified true belief does not amount to genuine knowledge, such as the mirage case where someone is lucky to find water.

What are the three categories of knowledge as classified by philosophers?

The three categories of knowledge are propositional knowledge, procedural knowledge, and personal knowledge.

What is propositional knowledge?

Propositional knowledge, also known as descriptive or declarative knowledge, is knowledge that something is factually true, like knowing a triangle has three sides.

What is procedural knowledge?

Procedural knowledge, also known as know-how or implicit knowledge, refers to knowing how to perform tasks or actions, such as learning how to ride a bike or swim.

What is personal knowledge?

Personal knowledge is knowledge gained through firsthand experience or acquaintance, like recognizing emotions or knowing someone personally through interaction.

What is an example provided in the transcript that distinguishes knowing from believing?

An example is the distinction between Claude knowing there is a river and Reign believing there is a river. Claude's knowledge must be accurate, while Reign's belief could be wrong.