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Flip to reveal answersWhat is epistemology?
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All 8 Flashcards — What is knowledge?
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Question
What is epistemology?
Answer
The branch of philosophy that studies knowledge — what it is, where it comes from, and its limits.
Question
The JTB definition of knowledge?
Answer
Knowledge = justified true belief: you believe it, it's true, and you have a good reason — all three at once.
Question
Why is 'justification' in the definition?
Answer
To rule out lucky guesses: being right by chance isn't knowledge because you had no good reason.
Question
Knowing-that?
Answer
Factual knowledge you could put into words — 'I know that water boils at 100°C'. JTB is about this.
Question
Knowing-how?
Answer
A skill in the body — 'I know how to ride a bike'. You can do it without stating any fact.
Question
Knowledge by acquaintance?
Answer
Knowing something by direct personal contact — 'I know Paris', 'I know my friend' — not a fact or a skill.
Question
The Gettier worry (Go further)?
Answer
Odd cases tick all three JTB boxes yet still feel like luck — so JTB may not be the whole story.
Question
Why isn't belief alone knowledge?
Answer
A belief can be false, or true only by luck; knowledge also needs truth and a good reason.
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Full study notes for What is knowledge?
Topic 3.1 hub
Nature of knowledge
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