epistemology

basic epistemological questions

HOW do we know?, WHAT (do) we know?, DO we know?

importance of epistemology

1. natural to seek knowledge

2. existential values

differences in poets and philosophers

1. poets = prophets (inspired by gods)

2. philosophers = first scientists (relied on reason and observation)

similarities in poets and philosophers

1. style

2. content

metaphysical assumptions

cosmos are inherently ordered and intelligible, structured by underlying principles of nature

epistemological assumptions

humans are intelligent and can grasp intelligible structure of nature and knowledge must be ordered and methodological

Heraclitus's metaphysical understanding of reality

reality is fundamentally characterized by constant change, where everything is becoming, and humans can attain knowledge of logos.

logos

an objective law-like principle that governs the cosmos

Parmenides's metaphysical understanding of reality

the cosmos is an eternal and unchangeable being, which means that reason or logos must go beyond perceptions to knowledge of what is.

Socratic dialogues

- cross examinations

- zero theories

platonic dialogues

- ideas, arguments, and theories

perplexity

a state of confusion that can arise when one's assumptions are challenged

Aristotle's critiques of the theory of forms

- where do higher forms/ideas exist

- counter-intuitive to say universal ideas are more real than individual things

ex. the idea of cold is not itself perfectly cold

sophists

-traveling teachers exposed to many cultures and beliefs

- skeptics and relativists

- taught rhetoric

- aimed to promote political success through persuasion

Meno's paradox

This argument is based on the idea that one can't inquire about anything new. This is because one already knows it so there's no reason to learn it or one doesn't know it so one is unsure of what to look for.

Plato's theory of recollection

Argument that explains that since humans are immortal, we have access to immortal or "divine" ideas, but we forget them at birth. Thus, all learning is a process of recollection or remembering

slave boy example

questioning - perplexity - answer questions - discover truth

sticks example

We perceive properties of material things, but in material things, properties are imperfect. To recognize the properties, we must already have the idea of equality

4 stages of the divided line

imagination, perception, reason, understanding