Where does knowledge come from? How do I know that what I have interpreted is true? What is the use of arriving at the truth? Is it experience or reason that gives me knowledge? These are some of the questions that human beings ask themselves and that philosophy has been trying to answer since antiquity. The answers can be found in our collection of epistemology books in PDF format, available to anyone who wants to access it.
Epistemology would be immersed in a broader branch of philosophy, known as gnoseology. The latter deals with knowledge in general, unlike the former, which deals exclusively with scientific knowledge. We will now discuss the basic concepts of this discipline for which we have made this selection of epistemology books freely available to our entire community.
Thus, we can define epistemology as the branch of philosophy that studies the bases and methods of scientific knowledge. Its main objective is to know the process through which knowledge is constructed, the reasons why it is made and its veracity.
In its historical path, as is logical, epistemology gives its first signs of life in Greece, when Plato contrasts the concepts of belief and opinion to that of knowledge. But it was not until the Renaissance when figures such as Galilei, Kepler, Descartes, Newton, among others, began to formally analyze scientific phenomena and to inquire into their veracity.
Epistemology is usually applied in the sciences in different areas, to determine whether a scientific knowledge is attached to the truth or not. In this sense, there are two currents of this discipline, a rationalist one that proposes reason as the source of all knowledge; and the empiricist one that, on the other hand, affirms that knowledge is obtained from experience.
Discover the world of epistemology as a philosophical discipline thanks to the more than 15 books of epistemology in PDF format that you can access for free in this section of our virtual library.
Here we present our complete selection of Epistemology books:
#1 Epistemic Logic and Epistemology
Extension: PDF | 18 pages
Epistemic Logic and Epistemology por Wesley H Holliday offers a concise introduction to epistemic logic and its applications to epistemology. It explores key concepts and paradoxes, providing a valuable foundation for understanding the formal analysis of knowledge.
#2 Epistemology and Philosophy of Science
Extension: PDF | 19 pages
Epistemology and Philosophy of Science por Otavio Bueno explores the relationship between epistemology and philosophy of science. It argues for closer involvement, examining traditional approaches to knowledge and the role of instruments in scientific knowledge production.
#3 Is Epistemology Tainted
Extension: PDF | 36 pages
Is Epistemology Tainted? by Jason Stanley explores epistemic relativism, arguing for a version that ties relativity to the metaphysics of epistemic properties like knowledge. This paper is valuable for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the nuances and debates surrounding epistemic relativism.
#4 Notes on Epistemology
Extension: PDF | 192 pages
Notes on Epistemology by John J Toohey offers a structured exploration of epistemology's core concepts. Dive into classical philosophical arguments on knowledge, truth, and certitude.
#5 Ontological Epistemological and Methodological Assumptions Qualitative Versus Quantitative
Extension: PDF | 14 pages
Ontological Epistemological and Methodological Assumptions Qualitative Versus Quantitative por Abdelhamid Ahmed analyzes the underlying assumptions in qualitative and quantitative research. This document offers a valuable comparison that is helpful for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of research methodologies.
#6 The Proper Role of Know How in Epistemology
Extension: PDF | 22 pages
The Proper Role of Know How in Epistemology by Charles Wallis argues for the importance of "know how" in epistemology, challenging the traditional focus on propositional knowledge. It highlights the role of procedural knowledge in cognitive science and neuroscience.
#7 Psychology and the Goals of Epistemology
Extension: PDF | 202 pages
Psychology and the Goals of Epistemology por Katherine Helen Puddifoot explores the intersection of psychology and epistemology, arguing for the relevance of psychological findings in developing epistemological accounts. It challenges traditional armchair methods and advocates for methodological naturalism, making it a compelling read for those int...
#8 Epistemology Theory and Methodology in Knowledge Organization Toward a Classification Metatheory and Research Framework (Article)
Extension: PDF | 12 pages
Epistemology Theory and Methodology in Knowledge Organization Toward a Classification Metatheory and Research Framework (Article) por Joseph T Tennis. This paper proposes a preliminary classification of knowledge organization research, focusing on epistemology, theory, and methodology, offering a valuable framework for understanding the field. It p...
#9 Making Connections The Relationship Between Epistemology and Research Methods (Article)
Extension: PDF | 9 pages
Making Connections The Relationship Between Epistemology and Research Methods (Article) por Dawn Darlaston Jones explores the critical link between epistemology and research methods, often overlooked in psychology education. It highlights the importance of understanding epistemological foundations for meaningful research, drawing on the author's ex...
#10 Epistemology (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 31 pages
Epistemology (Presentation) por Eduardo Ferme outlines key aspects of epistemology, focusing on the nature and scope of knowledge. It offers an accessible entry point into philosophical theories of knowledge and truth.
#11 The Epistemology of Qualitative Research
Extension: PDF | 15 pages
The Epistemology of Qualitative Research por Howard S Becker explores the foundations and justifications of qualitative research, contrasting it with quantitative methods. This paper challenges conventional views and provides a nuanced perspective on how researchers can ensure credibility and accuracy in their findings.
#12 A Very Brief Introduction to Epistemology Lecture 1 (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 44 pages
A Very Brief Introduction to Epistemology Lecture 1 (Presentation) por Palash Sarkar offers a concise overview of key epistemological concepts, starting with foundational questions about knowledge. It covers historical perspectives from Plato to British Empiricism, providing a valuable introduction to the theory of knowledge.
#13 Holographic Epistemology Native Common Sense (Article)
Extension: PDF | 8 pages
Holographic Epistemology Native Common Sense (Article) by Manulani Aluli Meyer explores indigenous epistemology through holographic principles, highlighting the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. It offers a (k)new perspective on knowledge, urging readers to integrate diverse wisdom traditions.
#14 Virtue Epistemology (Article)
Extension: PDF | 7 pages
Virtue Epistemology (Article) por John Turri,Ernest Sosa introduces virtue epistemology as a unique approach to understanding cognition's evaluative and metaphysical dimensions. It explores the role of intellectual virtues in answering philosophical questions about knowledge and belief formation.
#15 The Impact of Epistemology on Learning a Case Study From Introductory Physics
Extension: PDF | 11 pages
The Impact of Epistemology on Learning a Case Study From Introductory Physics by Laura Lising,Andrew Elby explores how a student's beliefs about knowledge and learning affect their physics education. This study offers insights into improving curriculum by explicitly addressing students' epistemologies.
#16 Social Epistemology
Extension: PDF | 19 pages
Social Epistemology by Franz Dietrich,Kai Spiekermann and this PDF titled Bayesian Epistemology by Stephan Hartmann and Jan Sprenger introduces Bayesian epistemology, which uses probability theory to address questions of belief change, confirmation, and justification. It highlights its value in providing precise analyses of epistemological notions,...
#17 Bayesian Epistemology
Extension: PDF | 20 pages
Social Epistemology by Franz Dietrich, Kai Spiekermann explores knowledge in social contexts, examining how groups form beliefs and make decisions. This concise overview highlights the epistemic challenges and successes of collective knowledge, offering valuable insights into group rationality.
#18 The Content and Epistemology of Phenomenal Belief
Extension: PDF | 54 pages
The Content and Epistemology of Phenomenal Belief by David J. Chalmers explores the nature of phenomenal beliefs, beliefs about experiences. It delves into the content and epistemic status of these beliefs, offering valuable insights into the mind-body problem.
Here ends our selection of free Epistemology books in PDF format. We hope you liked it and already have your next book!
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