Knowledge, Truth, and Language: A Philosophical Inquiry
Knowledge and Epistemology
While science provides knowledge about various aspects of reality, epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge itself. It analyzes what knowledge is, its origins, how we acquire it, and the limits of what we can know. Since the 17th century, with the growing importance of science, epistemology has become central to philosophical reflection.
Knowledge vs. Belief
Knowledge is distinct from mere belief or opinion. Belief can be either dubious (lacking certainty) or assertive (presented with confidence, but without sufficient evidence). Knowledge, however, is a belief that is both confidently held and objectively verifiable. It combines security, justifiability, and aim.
Types of Knowledge
- Theoretical Knowledge: Describes and explains natural and social phenomena. It aims not only to describe what happens but also to explain why. This involves describing, explaining, and predicting.
- Practical Knowledge: Involves learned skills and knowing how to act.
The Role of Language
Theoretical knowledge relies heavily on language. Language plays a crucial role in understanding, storing, and transmitting information. It allows us to form abstract concepts by focusing on common elements and ignoring superficial differences.
Levels of Language
- Meaning (Syntax): The arrangement of phonemes within a language.
- Meaning (Semantics): The idea or concept associated with a word or phrase.
- Reference: The object or entity to which a word or phrase refers in reality.
Linguistic Relativism (Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis)
This theory suggests that our language shapes our perception of reality and our worldview, which differs from speakers of other languages.
Propositions and Truth
Not all sentences are propositions. A proposition is a declarative sentence that affirms or denies something.
Types of Propositions
- Empirical Propositions: Make claims about the world.
- Formal Propositions: Do not have empirical content (e.g., mathematical statements).
For a proposition to contribute to knowledge, it must be both true and justifiable.
Theories of Truth
- Correspondence Theory: A proposition is true if it corresponds to reality.
- Coherence Theory: A proposition is true if it is consistent with other accepted propositions.
- Pragmatic Theory: A proposition is true if it is useful and leads to success.
In formal propositions, the primary criterion for truth is coherence.
Evidence, Certainty, and Perspectives
Evidence refers to the basis for believing a proposition to be true. Knowledge is evident when there is certainty about its truth. However, this criterion can be subjective.
Intersubjectivity requires that our beliefs be acceptable to any rational subject and therefore objective.
Philosophical Positions on Knowledge
- Dogmatism: Claims that we can acquire certain and universal knowledge.
- Skepticism: Doubts the possibility of certain knowledge.
- Criticism: A middle ground between dogmatism and skepticism.
- Relativism: Denies the existence of absolute truth.
- Perspectivism: Emphasizes the influence of individual perspectives on knowledge.
The pursuit of truth is an ongoing, collective effort, involving both expanding our knowledge and correcting our errors.