Philosophy and Knowledge Essay

Submitted By besacj
Words: 489
Pages: 2
Open Document
The Most Significant Philosopher of Epistemology
Friday, November 09, 2012 Epistemology literally means the study of knowledge (Paquette, 18). Many philosophers have long dwelled over the definition of knowledge itself and how can individuals attain it. Plato’s theory of knowledge is the most significant considering that he distinguishes between knowledge and perception (Connolly). Plato claims that knowledge must be objective, real, and independent of the person acquiring the knowledge (Paquette, 181). He stated that “something more” than the senses is required if knowledge is to be acquired and truth is to be found, the ‘”something more” is reason (Paquette, 182). According to Plato reason is the source of knowledge (Brickhouse). There must be much more to the world than the objects that we are able to see with our eyes. What is perceived through the senses is deceiving considering that “things disintegrate, dissolve, and wear down” (Paquette, 202). If an individual felt the water in a pool one day and it was cold then felt it again the next day and it was warm then this proves that the material world is unknown and is ever changing (Paquette, 182). If things are constantly changing then what is seen cannot be determined as true knowledge since we cannot actually know its original form. The idea of what is “perfect” is embedded in our heads and already exists within the human mind (Kreis). When individuals claim that they have found the “perfect” pair of jeans, seen the “perfect” rock concert, or found their “perfect” partner they are actually claiming that they have found something or someone that meets their criteria, idea, and expectation of what is considered perfect. Plato claimed that everyone’s mind holds a form for material objects, such as chairs and trees, as well as for concepts such as justice and beauty (Paquette, 203). He also claimed that everyone is born with knowledge and that “learning simply involves remembering them”(Paquette, 181). In Plato’s dialogue he uses the example of a math teacher and a student who has
Show More

Related Documents: Philosophy and Knowledge Essay

Philosophy: Empiricism and Knowledge Essay

Philip Wright PHL 222 A March 1, 2013 Knowledge by Experience Rene Descartes’ six Meditations raise many questions concerning epistemology and metaphysics. This main question that is raised by Descartes is, “Why and what should I doubt?” This vital question examines the existence of knowledge and where is originates from. There are two schools of thoughts that attempt to answer this question: empiricism and rationalism. Empiricists like Locke, Berkeley, and Hume believe that sense experience…

Words 2566 - Pages 11

Essay on Philosophy: Aristotle and Medical Knowledge

THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF PLATO THE LIFE Plato was born in 427 and died 347 BC. He had a wide knowledge of most of the pre-Socratics as he was influenced mostly by Socrates work, making him the main character of most of his writings. Plato had a deep interest in philosophy and in his early 30’s formed a philosophical school named after a Greek hero (the Academia) where the word Academy was derived from today, this Academy was functional for centuries till it was closed by Justinian the Emperor in…

Words 899 - Pages 4

Philosophy: Religion and Highest Knowledge Essay

Social and Political Philosophy The best form of Government is a Democracy because it’s a way to have the citizens involved. Nobody wants to live in a place where there is one ruler who controls it all without having a say in the matter. Justice is moral relevance based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, equity or fairness. Governments gain legitimate rule by casting votes and the citizens decide. I believe men and women should be equal because today men and women are capable…

Words 326 - Pages 2

Philosophy: Knowledge and Dr. Adadevoh Essay

Laurin Wilson Ethics 1100 October 2, 2014 Dr. Adadevoh vs. Individual Courage “Courage is knowing what not to fear (IV). In the Republic, Plato’s try to explain courage through the idea of knowledge and being a just person. I will argue why Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh is an example of courage according to the definition Plato presents. Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh was a physician who showed true courage. She was working in Nigeria at the First Consultant Hospital at the same time as the Liberian American; Patrick…

Words 607 - Pages 3

Essay about Philosophy: Knowledge and Adult Learning

“Adult Learning Theory” Trena L. Murphy 20-Feb-13 INFT_101 Summary In the two articles I read, there were many similar responses to the theory of how adults learn. Interestingly, the theory that adult learning has much to do with our experiences and how we story our lives and how we look at the story that other people’s lives tell. It was said that adult learning is affected by our social environment and this can vary from individual to individual. Some environmental…

Words 780 - Pages 4

Essay about Descartes notes

Philosophy Science Mathematics Algebra Geometry Pen Pencil Writing Device 1 being Algebra--> 2 being Geometry --> Philosophy is self-sufficient, self-dependent It encompasses all sciences - which in turn encompasses all Mathematics. Out of all sciences, Mathematics provides sure, indubitable knowledge. There is additivity in the condition stipulated -> 1+1 = 2 He asked the class if anybody disagreed to this solution. He explained that math…

Words 3942 - Pages 16

What Is Philosophy Essay

What is philosophy? Is it necessary to study it? Thesis: It is of vital importance to study philosophy for every human being in the world, as it is the foundation of all the other disciplines. Philosophy, like all other field, is unique. But the uniqueness of philosophy seems more impressive. As far as I’m concerned, philosophers never agree about what constitutes their proper field of study, whereas mathematicians, physicists, etc. generally do. It appears to me that philosophy contains a wide range of fields where philosophers can…

Words 958 - Pages 4

The Spread Of Plato Analysis

mentions how Nietzsche helps us to be able to raise questions on traditional views on philosophy and look into not only Plato, but those theories of who he has inspired. Zucker states how Nietzsche is able to relate philosophy with politics. As politicians in today’s society are frequently known as hiding ones truth in order to appear differently to others, Zucker mentions how Nietzsche is able to compare Philosophy with politicians. This is because, similar to politicians, Plato had intentionally…

Words 1574 - Pages 7

Essay on Mr Michael Murphy

relationship between Faith and Reason Faith and Reason are intrinsically linked within the Catholic Church. The mutual link between “good” philosophy and revelation is of pivotal importance and is discussed at length in “Fides et Ratio”. Before delving too thoroughly into this subject, however an important distinction must be made about what constitutes “good” philosophy (in the context of this discussion). This is beautifully summed up in the phrase “orthós logos, recta ratio(right reason).” It is up…

Words 1696 - Pages 7

Essay about Education and Educational Philosophies

Personal Philosophy of Education Amanda R. Poole-Loggains EDU 301 Professor Nicole Benak March 30, 2015 There are many different educational philosophies, but there are five that are different from the others. Those five educational philosophies are perennialism, idealism, realism, experimentalism, and existentialism. Each of the outlines a particular belief about education. The educators that believe in these philosophies would make different schools in which students could learn. Perennialism…

Words 922 - Pages 4