Understanding Knowledge: Epistemology, Belief, and Truth
The sciences provide us with knowledge about reality, or a part of reality. However, we also possess other kinds of knowledge, acquired directly through our experience and culturally transmitted. Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that analyzes knowledge, determining its origin, methods for obtaining it, and its limits. The interest in knowledge has been constant throughout history. Since the seventeenth century, the problem of knowledge has gained significant importance, with epistemological studies occupying the center of philosophical reflection.
Two reasons explain this fact:
- The growing importance of the natural sciences. Physics, with Newton, reached its maturity as a science. Determining the efficacy and infallibility of science became crucial.
- The basic dimension of consciousness. Philosophy recognized that, before initiating any investigation, it’s necessary to determine if we can attain the knowledge we seek. Epistemology is considered the foundation of other sciences.
Knowledge, Opinion, and Belief
Knowledge: A belief we are certain of and can justify. The ability to justify distinguishes true knowledge from mere belief. For a belief to constitute knowledge, it should be objectively testable.
Opinion: An idea we are neither subjectively certain of nor able to test definitively. Opinions are often evaluations of reality based on desires, interests, or beliefs, but lack compelling reasons.
Belief: We can distinguish two main uses:
- Dubious Use: When we are not entirely sure of the truth of what we say, expressing doubt about its validity.
- Assertive Use: When we are sure of something but lack definitive proof. This inability to justify beliefs distinguishes them from real knowledge.
Propositions: Empirical and Formal
A proposition is a declarative sentence that affirms or denies something (e.g., ‘The Ebro flows through Zaragoza’). There are two types of propositions:
- Empirical Propositions: Affirm or deny something about the world. They have empirical content that can be contrasted with experience.
- Formal Propositions: Lack empirical content. They do not describe the world but rather express relations between symbols.
For a proposition to contribute to knowledge, it must be genuine and justifiable. The question of truth is closely related to knowledge.
Evidence and Intersubjectivity
Evidence: Refers to the special way certain obvious facts and propositions present themselves, leading us to consider them true. Knowledge is evident when it produces a certainty that prevents us from doubting its truth.
Failure of this criterion: The feeling of certainty and security that comes with evidence, preventing us from doubting propositions, is a state of mind or feeling. Therefore, it is subjective and not a satisfactory criterion. Education and our worldview, unconsciously assimilated, can distort our perception of reality, leading us to believe false things are evident and unquestionable.
Intersubjectivity: Consists of the fact that our beliefs must be acceptable to any rational subject. This criterion is based on the idea that knowledge is objective and shared by all, not exclusive to a particular person. It relies on the recognition of truth by many, not just one. Truth is not private but requires the consensus of the community.
Insufficiency of this approach: Although truth requires consensus, that consensus is not a sufficient guarantee of truth. While true knowledge must be allowed, it is true that everyone should undoubtedly support it.