Epistemology is a philosophical discourse that is predicated upon understanding the scope, limits and value of knowledge. While one may argue that the scope and limits are quite straightforward in terms of individual understanding and knowledge, the philosophical component of epistemology clearly demonstrates that there are a number of potential theories that can be utilized in the explication of the limits and scope of knowledge. Given the extent to which theories of knowledge have developed over the course of time, it is evident that even though these theories provide necessary insight into the process of human conceptions of knowledge, these numerous theories create a paradox for the philosopher. Namely, those studying epistemology not only need to consider which theory will be used to describe knowledge, but also which of the theories of knowledge are indeed valid. Thus, while the theories to understand the acquisition of knowledge have increased in recent years, some consideration of the validity of these theories must be garnered.
[...] When a belief is put forward, the specific methods and sources of knowledge that were utilized to develop this belief are so extensive that they cannot be fully conceptualized in general terms. As such, belief does not represent a source of knowledge in and of itself. Instead, belief is representative of a number of sources of knowledge that have been amalgamated together to provide an integrated opinion of the specific perceptual information that has been garnered by the individual overtime. [...]
[...] Despite the fact that belief has been widely used as a means to guide judgment and understanding of the world, Moser and Trout argue that it has note been until recently that theorists have come to see the inherent possibilities of belief as a concrete source of knowledge. In their examination of belief as an inherent source of knowledge, Moser and Trout assert: virtual consensus now is that beliefs are information-bearing states of a special sort. The kind of information beliefs bear depends, at least in part, on the way they represent the world” (p. [...]
[...] In the context of the information put forth by Morton, it becomes evident that the challenges of changing how we look at the process of knowledge and knowledge acquisition current stands as the most notable issue when it comes to the development of this field. At the present time, researchers have come to the realization that they do not posses the right frameworks for conceptualizing knowledge. The problem is that making a change that would enable expansion of the field because it requires ideas and thoughts that stand outside of current conceptions and ideas in epistemology. [...]
[...] Epistemological Theories—An Overview In order to begin this investigation, it is first helpful to consider the sources and theories of knowledge that have been developed throughout history. Moser (2002) in his examination of the sources of knowledge notes that there are four basic sources of knowledge that have been examined by scholars. These include: “perception, memory, consciousness (sometimes called introspection), and reason (sometimes called intuition)” (p. 72). Although Moses notes that in some cases, scholars have preferred to work on with perception and reason, these four basic sources of knowledge form the foundation for understanding and exploring the process of epistemology. [...]
[...] As such, it is not justification, in and of itself, that is the source of knowledge in this case. Knowledge from other sources is shaped together in an amalgamation in order to form a justification. Although it is evident that this justification can be used for a source of knowledge in the future, it is not a basic source of knowledge by itself. Further Audi, in his examination of the concept of justification makes the argument that justification is a larger principle of perception. [...]
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