HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF EPISTEMOLOGY: CHARACTERISTICS - HISTORY - 2025

The historical development of epistemology has occurred in parallel with the development of philosophy. Both have their roots in ancient Greece and are related to the abstract sciences.

Epistemology is the study of knowledge itself: it studies the nature and obtaining of knowledge. Epistemology has its earliest roots in ancient Greece, and has evolved into a science unto itself.

The method of epistemology explains the origin and acquisition of scientific knowledge. This is why it is also called "the philosophy of science." Epistemology defines concepts such as truth, knowledge and knowledge. It also defines the sources of knowledge and determines its degree of certainty.

History

The word epistemology comes from the Greek episteme, which means knowledge. The first specification of knowledge was made by Plato.

He made the difference between opinion and knowledge. What distinguishes them is that opinion is subjective, and knowledge must be grounded in reality.

With Aristotle's theory of knowledge, the study of knowledge was expanded. But these were isolated theories, approaches and studies.

Saint Thomas Aquinas also raised a theory about knowledge in the 13th century. He was a theologian and in his theory he tried to unite faith and reason.

During the Renaissance epistemology made a considerable advance with Descartes. This mathematician and philosopher is the creator of the discourse of method. In this, the procedures for obtaining an exact knowledge are established.

The discourse of the method is based on mathematics, with the intention of not allowing for error. Descartes is considered the father of modern philosophy. He was also a rationalist.

A century later Locke proposed terms that leaned towards empiricism. According to Locke, all knowledge arose from experience. He established simple and complex ideas to divide the types of knowledge.

Simple ideas are those captured naturally by the subject, only through experience.

Complex ideas are those that the subject himself creates through the combination of simple ideas.

Towards the XIX century positivism arises. This current of thought establishes that the scientific method is the only way to obtain reliable knowledge. This method was designed by Galileo Galilei around 1600.

In the 20th century Karl Popper established critical rationalism. This consisted of evaluating the knowledge obtained through refutation.

Epistemology and theory of knowledge

Epistemology is commonly confused with the theory of knowledge. Their objects of study are similar, but the theory of knowledge focuses on the relationship between the object and the subject.

Aristotle was the forerunner of this theory with his approaches to obtaining knowledge.

This theory raises unknowns regarding the nature of the object of study, the role of the subject and the circumstances surrounding the interaction.

The 2 main approaches to epistemology

There are two main approaches within epistemology. Each one favors a different origin of knowledge.

1- Empiricist

This approach advocates the sensitive origin of knowledge. He defends that obtaining knowledge is the conclusion of the interaction with the phenomenon.

His stance indicates that only exposure to the object will produce the experience. In this sense, experience becomes the only source of knowledge.

2- Rationalist

The rationalist position postulates that knowledge must be acquired in a methodical way. According to this theory, the truth can only be learned through a systematized process, with a specific method and in a conscious way.

This approach raises study as the only way to achieve wisdom. According to rationalism, no truth is knowledge if it is not universal.

References

1. Epistemology. (2017) ed.ac.uk
2. Epistemology. (2017) dictionary.cambridge.org
3. Epistemology. (2005) plato.stanford.edu
4. Epistemology-glossary of philosophy. (2017) webdianoia.com
5. What is epistemology and what is it for? (2017) psicologiaymente.net
6. Historical development of epistemology. (2012) clubensayos.com