Reality & Knowledge STS Module A

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of reality, knowledge, and the branches of philosophy (ontology and epistemology) as presented in the STS Module A lecture notes.

Reality

Everything that exists or happens, whether we observe it or not; defined by Phillip Dick as "that which, if you stop believing in it, does not go away."

Ontology

The branch of philosophy that studies the nature of reality, existence, and what is real, asking the question "What exists?"

Epistemology

The branch of philosophy that studies the nature, sources, limits, and validity of knowledge, asking the question "How do we know?"

Objective Reality

Reality that is the same for everyone and exists independently of what people think or feel; these are considered facts because they can be verified.

Subjective Reality

Refers to a person's personal experience, perception, or interpretation of events, often described through opinions.

Fact

A true statement about reality that can be proven or verified with evidence.

Opinion

A personal judgment, preference, or what someone thinks, feels, or believes.

Knowledge

Understanding acquired through experience, learning, reasoning, observations, or investigation.

Scientific Knowledge

Knowledge developed through the scientific method using systematic observation, experimentation, and evidence.

Belief

What a person thinks is true, with or without evidence.