epistemology

[ ih-pis-tuh-mol-uh-jee ]

/ ɪˌpɪs təˈmɒl ə dʒi /

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Definition of epistemology

noun

a branch of philosophy that investigates the origin, nature, methods, and limits of human knowledge.

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Origin of epistemology

1855–60; <Greek epistḗm(ē) knowledge + -o- + -logy

OTHER WORDS FROM epistemology

e·pis·te·mo·log·i·cal

[ih-pis-tuh-muh-loj-i-kuhl], /ɪˌpɪs tə məˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, adjectivee·pis·te·mol·o·gist, noun

Words nearby epistemology

epistaxis, episteme, epistemic, epistemics, epistemological, epistemology, episternum, epistle, epistler, epistle side, Epistle to the Galatians

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use epistemology in a sentence

After some time at the University of Heidelberg, where he became interested in philosophy, epistemology and the foundations of geometry, in 1871 he was awarded the physics chair at the University of Berlin.
Top 10 science anniversaries to celebrate in 2021|Tom Siegfried|February 3, 2021|Science News
Working on my thesis proposal, on the impact of simulations on epistemology in scientific fields, where controlled experiments are impossible, I began to delve into the history of computation and simulations.
Five Scientists on the Heroes Who Changed Their Lives - Issue 93: Forerunners|Alan Lightman, Hope Jahren, Robert Sapolsky,|December 2, 2020|Nautilus
He may never have heard the word epistemology, but his theory of knowledge is essentially the same as Platos.
The Behavior of Crowds|Everett Dean Martin
This suggests that a strictly monistic epistemology, whether idealistic or realistic, does not get rid of the problem.
Essays in Experimental Logic|John Dewey

It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to draw a hard and fast line between epistemology and other branches of philosophy.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6|Various
Moral philosophy was the center of his teaching, and epistemology was only instrumental.
The Enchiridion|Epictetus
But there is another side of the problem which is, perhaps, of more importance and which epistemology generally overlooks.
Evolution in Modern Thought|Ernst Haeckel

British Dictionary definitions for epistemology

epistemology

/ (ɪˌpɪstɪˈmɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

the theory of knowledge, esp the critical study of its validity, methods, and scope

Derived forms of epistemology

epistemologist, noun

Word Origin for epistemology

C19: from Greek epistēmē knowledge

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for epistemology

epistemology

[ (i-pis-tuh-mol-uh-jee) ]

The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and origin of knowledge. Epistemology asks the question “How do we know what we know?”