Falsafah Dan Isu Semasa : 6 (A) Epistemologi (Definisi Dan Aliran)

Summary

The video delves into the field of epistemology, exploring the nature and limits of knowledge. It explains key concepts such as 'justified true belief' and the conditions that make something valid knowledge. The discussion contrasts two major philosophical perspectives: empiricism, which emphasizes knowledge gained through sensory experience, and rationalism, which values reasoning and logical deduction. Through examples, the video illustrates how each theory approaches the acquisition and validation of knowledge, highlighting the importance of both sensory data and rational thought in forming true understanding.

Takeaways

• 😀 Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge.
• 😀 Knowledge is defined as justified true belief, which requires three key elements: belief, truth, and justification.
• 😀 A belief is considered knowledge only when it is both true and justified through rational or empirical means.
• 😀 Empiricism asserts that knowledge comes from sensory experiences (sight, hearing, touch, etc.).
• 😀 Rationalism, on the other hand, claims that knowledge is derived from reason and intellectual insights, rather than sensory data.
• 😀 The concept of 'Justified True Belief' means that a belief must be not only true but also based on a reliable justification to be considered valid knowledge.
• 😀 Empiricists argue that humans are born as 'blank slates' (tabula rasa), with knowledge developing through sensory interaction with the world.
• 😀 Rationalists reject the idea that sensory experiences are always reliable, claiming that reason and intellectual deduction are necessary to validate knowledge.
• 😀 An example from the lecture highlights that even if someone answers a multiple-choice question correctly by chance, it doesn't qualify as knowledge due to lack of justification.
• 😀 Both empiricism and rationalism play vital roles in understanding how knowledge is acquired and validated, with each approach having its strengths and limitations.

Q & A

What is epistemology?

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge. It explores questions like what constitutes knowledge, how it is acquired, and the conditions under which a belief can be considered justified or true.

What are the key elements of justified true belief?

Justified true belief is a traditional theory in epistemology, which states that for a belief to qualify as knowledge, it must meet three criteria: 1) The belief must be held by the individual, 2) The belief must be true, and 3) There must be justification or a valid reason for the belief.

What role do belief, truth, and justification play in epistemology?

In epistemology, these three elements are essential in determining what constitutes knowledge. Belief is the first step, but it must also be true and justified. If a belief is not true or lacks justification, it cannot be considered knowledge, even if the person believes it to be true.

What is empiricism in epistemology?

Empiricism is the philosophical view that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. According to empiricists, the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) provide the raw data necessary for knowledge formation. Knowledge is verified through these sensory experiences.

How does empiricism explain the formation of knowledge?

Empiricism suggests that knowledge is acquired through direct sensory experiences. For example, to know it is raining, one must see the rain, hear it, or feel it. Empiricists believe that without sensory input, knowledge cannot be formed.

What is the central idea behind rationalism?

Rationalism argues that knowledge is primarily derived from reason, not sensory experience. Rationalists believe that some truths can be known independently of sensory data, using intellectual insight, deduction, and logic.

How do rationalists view the limitations of sensory experience?

Rationalists argue that sensory experience can be deceptive and cannot always be trusted to reveal true knowledge. They believe that reason, not the senses, is the best way to acquire certain types of knowledge, especially in abstract or complex fields.

What is the 'tabula rasa' concept in empiricism?

The 'tabula rasa' concept, proposed by John Locke, suggests that humans are born with a 'blank slate,' meaning they have no innate knowledge. All knowledge is acquired through sensory experiences and interactions with the environment.

How do empiricists and rationalists differ in their views on the origin of knowledge?

Empiricists believe that knowledge comes from sensory experience, while rationalists argue that knowledge originates from reason and intellectual deduction. Empiricists focus on observable data, while rationalists emphasize logical reasoning as the primary source of knowledge.

Can knowledge be considered valid if it is based on a true belief without justification?

No, according to epistemology, a belief cannot be considered knowledge if it is true but lacks justification. For something to qualify as knowledge, it must not only be true but also have a solid basis for the belief, making it justifiable.