Methods of Knowledge Acquisition: Deduction, Induction, and Epistemology
Methods of Knowledge Acquisition
One method is a more or less fixed and stable process, consisting of several steps or rules that lead to an end.
Deductive Method
It involves extracting a conclusion from general principles. However, this method presents a problem in the strict sense, so it is feasible in the formal sciences.
Inductive Method
It involves developing a conclusion from specific data or individuals to general principles.
Hypothetico-Deductive Method
It is a combination of two methods: it combines the reference to empirical data of induction with the generality and consistency of deduction.
- Definition of the problem: It begins with the discovery of a problematic situation.
- Formulation of hypotheses: Suggests a possible explanation, which should be consistent and in line with scientific attitude.
- Deduction of consequences: Using the deductive method, extract the consequences if the hypothesis were true.
- Contrasting the hypothesis: Checks whether or not the expected consequences occur.
- Refutation of hypothesis: When expected consequences are not met, the hypothesis must be rejected and the process of formulating a new one begins.
- Confirming hypotheses: When the expected consequences are true, the hypothesis is confirmed.
- Results: A new law or theory is made, or a theory already proposed is confirmed.
Statistical Hypotheses:
Verification: It consists of verifying the truth of a hypothesis by seeing if what the scenario proposes happens in reality.
Falsification: Proposed by Karl Popper as an alternative to verification. It consists of testing the hypotheses for facts that show it to be false.
Epistemology
Epistemology is concerned with the analysis of what knowledge is, but also determines its origin, the method we follow to obtain it, and the limits of what we can know.
- Opinion: It is a subjective assessment of which we cannot be sure and that we cannot prove.
- Belief: Expressed hesitantly when we are not really sure of the truth of what we affirm. We speak of belief when we are sure of something even though we do not have enough evidence to demonstrate it.
- Knowledge: It is a belief that we are sure of, and moreover, we can prove.
Types of Knowledge
- Theoretical knowledge: This consists of all the information that describes and explains the natural and social world around us.
- Practical knowledge: It is not an explanation or description of the world but in a knowing act, whether in the manipulation of the environment or in the production of property, etc.
The Theoretical Knowledge
- To describe: Find and analyze what happens and identify its characteristics.
- To explain: Identify the causes of what occurs.
- To predict: Anticipate what will occur.
Criteria to Recognize the Truth
The evidence: Knowledge is evident when there is a certainty that we doubt its truth.
Attitudes that Prevent the Possibility of Knowledge
- Dogmatism: According to which we can gain secure, universal knowledge and be absolutely sure of it.
- Skepticism: Doubt as to enable a firm and secure grasp of knowledge.
Attitudes Towards the Possibility of Knowledge
- Dogmatism: According to which we can gain secure, universal knowledge and be absolutely sure of it.
- Skepticism: Doubt as to enable a firm and secure knowledge.