Epistemology Is the Study of Knowledge - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages Epistemology can also be described as a perspective of obtaining knowledge out of an ambiguous aspect. The distinction between the scientific theories and the practical aspect of episteme varies among authors. There was no distinction between the two according to the early philosophers. Aristotle described art and science as episteme basically because they were both practical-oriented, his theories were based on the application of knowledge. Plato based his theory concerning form that knowledge as purely theoretical.

The perception of forms and theories of knowledge may have changed in modern philosophy but the work of the great philosophers; Aristotle and Plato was significant in the development of modern science. The ancient philosophers did not differentiate knowledge based on art and science; For instance, they grouped mathematics, painting, music, and astronomy as epistemes in the same category and were termed epistemes. At the onset of Memorabilia, the philosophers referred to the craft as techne. Socrates for instance referred to episteme as diligence, care, and practice.

He was referring to the knowledge as craft and practical application of skills. The argument over his definition of episteme can be obtained from virtue definitions. Just from his definition of knowledge, he said knowledge can be accumulated. Giving an example of a wise person who would accumulate knowledge from various skills, he said that would be not accomplished by a person who just knows the theory of the universe. Socrates however pointed out that knowledge alone was not enough to give prosperity.

For instance, someone may have knowledge but be unwilling to apply or someone may be willing to apply the knowledge but may not have enough wealth to apply the knowledge. Plato's Republic There is no direct definition of episteme by Plato however his dialogues reflect on episteme. His consistent dialogue reflected the concept of episteme and techne. To illustrate the nature of knowledge and science in his dialogue, Plato mentioned episteme-related activities such as geometry, medicine, and pottery prophecy among others. The activities mentioned had a practitioner. For example, the carpentry had a carpenter. The activities mentioned by Plato had some common characteristics. ...Download file to see next pages Read More