epistemic

[ ep-uh-stee-mik, -stem-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to knowledge or the conditions for acquiring it.

epistemic

/ ˌɛpɪˈstiːmɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to knowledge or epistemology
2. See doxastic
   denoting the branch of modal logic that deals with the formalization of certain epistemological concepts, such as knowledge, certainty, and ignorance. See also doxastic

Derived Forms

• ˌepisˈtemically, adverb

Other Words From

• epi·stemi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of epistemic¹

1920–25; < Greek epistēmikós, equivalent to epistḗm ( ē ) knowledge + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of epistemic¹

C20: from Greek epistēmē knowledge

Example Sentences

Researchers describe this as epistemic curiosity, a need for understanding.

From Time

Thirty-five years ago, the philosopher John Hardwig published a paper on what he called “epistemic dependence,” our reliance on others’ knowledge.

From MIT Technology Review

Another lesson comes from Hardwig’s original paper on epistemic dependence.

From MIT Technology Review

Instead, Chris indulged in the MSNBC variant of epistemic closure.

From The Daily Beast

Until then, enjoy this quote that is slightly relevant to an epistemic bubble this blog discusses on occasion.

From The Daily Beast

This absurd epistemic closure likely accounts for why so many Americans are shocked at the President's strong polling numbers.

From The Daily Beast

We no longer joke about "epistemic closure," but that does not mean the phenomenon has ceased to govern the conservative mind.

From The Daily Beast