Epistemology and Philosophy Exam Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts discussed in epistemology and philosophy, intended for exam preparation.

Epistemology

The study of knowledge, including its nature, sources, limitations, and validity.

Skepticism

A philosophical position questioning the possibility of certainty in knowledge.

Justified True Belief

A traditional account of knowledge asserting that for someone to know a proposition, it must be true, they must believe it, and it must be justified.

Coherentism

A theory of justification that holds beliefs are justified if they cohere with a set of beliefs.

Foundationalism

A theory of justification positing that some beliefs are justified independently of others, serving as a foundation for knowledge.

Scientism

The belief that science is the ultimate path to knowledge and that it is superior to other forms of inquiry.

Fideism

The philosophical position that faith is independent of reason, and that religious beliefs can be justified through faith alone.

Wisdom

The combination of knowledge and experience, enabling one to make sound judgments.

Philosophical Method

The systematic approach to inquiry that emphasizes questioning, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.

Relativism

The philosophical view that truth and moral values are not absolute but vary with individuals or cultures.

Deductive Argument

An argument where the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

Inductive Argument

An argument where the conclusion is supported by the premises but not logically guaranteed.

Inference to the Best Explanation

A reasoning approach where one infers the most likely explanation for a phenomenon by evaluating the available alternatives.