epistemology
[ ih-pis-tuh-mol-uh-jee ]
/ ɪˌpɪs təˈmɒl ə dʒi /
|
noun
a branch of philosophy that investigates the origin, nature, methods, and limits of human knowledge.
Nearby words
epistasis, epistaxis, epistemic, epistemics, epistemological, epistemology, episternal, episternum, epistle, epistle side, epistle to the galatians
Origin of epistemology
Related formse·pis·te·mo·log·i·cal [ih-pis-tuh-muh-loj-i-kuh l] /ɪˌpɪs tə məˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, adjectivee·pis·te·mol·o·gist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for epistemology
British Dictionary definitions for epistemology
epistemology
/ (ɪˌpɪstɪˈmɒlədʒɪ) /
noun
the theory of knowledge, esp the critical study of its validity, methods, and scope
Derived Formsepistemologist, 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
Word Origin and History for epistemology
epistemology
"theory of knowledge," 1856, coined by Scottish philosopher James F. Ferrier (1808-1864) from Greek episteme "knowledge," from Ionic Greek epistasthai "know how to do, understand," literally "overstand," from epi "over, near" (see epi-) + histasthai "to stand," (see histo-).
The scientific (as opposed to philosophical) study of the roots and paths of knowledge is epistemics (1969). Related: Epistemological; epistemologically.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Culture 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?”
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.