EPISTEMOLOGY

Epistemology

Epistemology

Introduction

Epistemology, also known as theory of knowledge is concerned with what validates us in believing what we do, how we know what we do and what principles of facts we should utilize in seeking truths about the human experience and the world.

The term “epistemology,” which by origin implies the science of knowledge, is usually used to signify the science of the certainty of human knowledge. Here “certainty” is used to represent the conscious possession of fact and reality, that is, the state of mind where the truth is possessed by the mind and identifies that it possesses it.

It is contended that epistemological perspectives establish methodological approaches and form the research procedure. Thus, discussing epistemological viewpoints can give us with responsiveness of integral limitations related to formed direction and knowledge of future research. Additionally the paper discusses three perspectives which provide a convenient method for examining issues and finding solutions.

Discussion

Epistemology

Epistemology considers views about the most suitable ways of investigating into the nature of the world and 'what is knowledge and what are the limitations and sources of knowledge'. Subjects of epistemology begin to consider the method of research and Eriksson and Kovalainen go on to converse how it is defined by epistemology that how knowledge can be produced and contended for (Eriksson, & Kovalainen, 2008).

Epistemology is described as 'the science or theory of the grounds or methods of knowledge' expanding this into a set of assumptions and claims about the ways in which it is probable to gain knowledge of actuality, what can be known, how what exists might be identified, and what criteria must be fulfilled in order to be depicted as knowledge. Van Manen (1995) explains epistemology as 'what and how it is possible to know' and the need to reflect on standards and methods through which verifiable and reliable knowledge is produced and DeRose (2010) reviews epistemology as 'knowing how you can know' and develop this by asking how is knowledge produced, what criteria differentiates bad knowledge from good knowledge, and how should reality be described or represented. They go on to emphasize the co-dependent association between ontology and epistemology, and how both inform and depends upon each other.

In considering this connection, the need to comprehend the researcher's position becomes more apparent. If certain ontological assumption and positions are held by the researcher these might impact the epistemological options or conclusion drawn. illustrates epistemology as assuming that a world exists that is external and speculation neutral, while within the view of subjective epistemology, access to the external world beyond our own interpretations and observations is not possible (Pathirage, Amaratunga, & Haigh, 2011).

It is further emphasized that specific researchers therefore contend that collection of data from objects that subsist separate to the researcher (an outer truth) is less open to partiality and therefore it is more factual, and that if social phenomena are analyzed, these must be demonstrated in a statistical instead of a narrative from in order to keep any authority, a position that numerous researchers ...