Ways of Knowing and the Truth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ways of Knowing and the Truth - Essay ExampleThis research will begin with the statement that the quest for knowledge and its eruditeness since time immemorial, continues till date, because, knowledge has helped man conduct his life better and thereby empowered him in many ways. Therefore, it is not very surprising that a number of philosophers and thinkers of the past have been pre-occupied by the concept of Knowledge. While some may hold that knowledge is nothing but the truth, some others have inclined importance to the various branches of Knowledge and their applications, and quite a few other philosophers have pondered over the epistemology itself, regarding its sources constituent elements ways of acquiring knowledge, and so on. It is useful to astound acquainted with epistemology. This is because human beings are surrounded in daily life by a multitude of challenges that require them to be aware of their own cultural, linguistic, financial, virtuous and ethical principles which influence their day-to-day decisions. Interestingly, there has been no single, direct answer to the question what is meant by truth? In the New Testament, Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, asks Jesus messiah what the latter had done in order to be brought before him. To this Jesus refers to the concept of truth thus, implying that it - Truth exists as an independent entity, You I am a king. For this reason, I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth everyone on the side of truth listens to me to which Pilate questions Christ What is the truth?... Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl that showeth best by day but it will not rise to the price of a diamond, or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights (Bacon 1). hither Bacon too, does not deal with the concept of truth directly, but through the use of analogy of pearl. Bacon implicates that pure form truth does have its value and glow, which is compared to the subdued magnificence o f pearls whereas half-truths or truth when mixed with a bit of lies is more attractive, like the glitter of a diamond. Bertrand Russell in Truth and Falsehood in his Problems of Philosophy, puts forward the symmetricalness theory of truth this states that truth is the understanding that results from the manner in which ones beliefs describe reality and therefore, truth is a belief is true when there is a corresponding fact, and is infatuated when there is no corresponding fact. (cited in Reading For Philosophical Inquiry A Brief Introduction, p. 2). Plato initially theorized that knowledge or in order to know something, three conditions - called the Conditions of Knowledge, to wit a) it should be true 2) One should consciously believe it and 3) sufficient evidence should justify it (Southwell 4). This is referred to as the tripartite theory of knowledge or knowledge is warrant true belief (Holt 1). There are two theories associated with the source of Knowledge 1) Empiricism, and 2) Rationalism (Holt 1). The first theory states that knowledge gained is mainly based in experience, and indorsement theory holds that knowledge is gained, based mainly on logical thinking and reason. Regarding the ways or means of knowing, there are four ways of knowing, disposed(p) by philosophy, the nature, merits and demerits of which are worthy of discussion.The Four