Epistemology is considered the knowledge science, which is a branch of philosophy. In a more complete way, it focuses on the nature, origin and validity of scientific knowledge, thanks to the study of the methods and foundations that support it.
This branch has an objective or function, that is, it is valid to ask what it is for and why it is important; information that can be acquired through this informational entry.
What is epistemology?
The term has Greek origin, thanks to the combination of knowledge and theory (episteme y Logos). Also known as "knowledge science”, Which takes into account aspects of scientific research, such as history, culture and context; as well as classes, conditioning, possibility, reality, and relationship.
On the other hand, this discipline also aims to study the level of certainty of said knowledge in different areas; in order to have an idea about how important it is to the spirit of the human being.
Despite being able to find certain similarities, it is not possible to confuse epistemology with terms such as gnoseology, methodology and philosophy of science. It is true that they all have in common the interest in deciphering, understanding and investigating various types of knowledge; but each of them is characterized in a specific knowledge or function.
For example, the methodology seeks to obtain methods that serve to expand knowledge. The philosophy of science is practically the same, but much broader; while gnoseology takes care of all existing knowledge.
What is it for and what is its importance?
This science is nothing more than that in charge of understanding scientific knowledge with the help of all possible data or aspects; where the social, psychological and historical are considered.
This allows us to ask ourselves questions such as "what is knowledge?" or similar, in order to find a logical and analyzable answer with the aforementioned factors. In this way to be able to draw conclusions about the functioning of knowledge or scientific research. But in addition, there are many functions of epistemology that we will describe below.
Analyze the limits of knowledge
It refers to the ability we have to create explanations that allow us to find an explanation about everything we can experience in our life. That is used to see what methods we use to answer questions about it; as well as how or why these techniques can be effective.
Examine and evaluate methodology
There are many types of methodology for conducting scientific research, which need to be examined and evaluated by professionals in this area; in this way, epistemologists will be able to conclude whether these methods are capable of obtaining positive results.
Despite this, both professions (epistemologists and methodologist) are totally different, since one evaluates from the scientific aspect the correct execution of the methods; while the second focuses on asking and philosophically evaluating if said it is necessary to carry out said experiment to obtain the result we are looking for.
Reflect on epistemic streams
For a correct creation of knowledge, it is necessary to contribute different ideas, so it is very common for this science to reflect, thus achieving the beginning of debates between the different existing schools of thought. In this way, the different methods of finding answers can be questioned.
Reflection on metaphysics
Metaphysics is defined by epistemology, where professionals have spent years arguing about the subject; but they basically try to find why the mind tries to understand what is not physical or material, which is still debated with a large number of theories made by different authors and schools of thought.
What are the types of epistemology?
There are different theories, so it is possible to get different types. The best known are the types according to the theory of knowledge, Piaget and in today's world; between them vary considerably, but you can get an idea about it with a brief explanation.
Theory of knowledge
- Ancient Greece.
- Immanuel Kant.
Types according to Piaget
- Meta-scientific.
- Parascientists.
- Scientific.
Real world
- Logic.
- Regionals.
- Psychology.
- Physical.
- Economy.
- Normative.
- Sociology.
- Traditional.
- Contemporary
- Modern.
I believe that in the section on "Reflection on metaphysics" it would be more correct to say: "because the human being tries to understand what is not physical or material" since the mind is not a physical or material thing either. And also in the second sentence instead of "where", use another way of saying the definition, like saying: "... epistemology like science where ..."
Good morning good man, remember that this article is a translation, completely according to you.