EPISTEMOLOGY

EPISTEMOLOGY refers to our theory of knowledge;

in particular, how we acquire knowledge

EPISTEMOLOGY

The construction or process of knowledge varies depending on what context or field we are talking about.

DOXA AND EPISTEME

Science, they believed, was the process of inquiry which transformed doxa (that which was believed to be true) into episteme (that which was known to be true).

KNOWLEDGE & EPISTEMOLOGY

Since knowledge is the unit of study in this field, the distinction between knowledge, information & data becomes vital within the given context.

ONTOLOGY & EPISTEMOLOGYThe discussion of

the nature of reality is important in the Western understanding of epistemology as it represents “the distinction between science (normal science) and non-science or quasi-science (pseudo-science).” (pg. 1)

THE SCIENTIFIC MODEL & INFORMATION SCIENCE

“Thus, the scientific paradigm adopted by the natural sciences is appropriate to information systems only insofar as it is appropriate for the social sciences.” (pg. 1)

CRITICAL THINKING & EPISTEMOLOGY

Positivism (and all of the following tangents to this model of understanding knowledge) has its foundations in critical thinking (analytic mode of inquiry).

POSITIVISM WILL BE SUMMARIZED AS BEING BASED

ON FIVE PILLARS:“(1) Unity of the scientific method

(2) Search for Humean causal relationships (reductionism)

(3) Belief in empiricism

(4) Science (and its process) is value-free

(5) The foundation of science is based on logic and mathematics.”

(pg. 3)

ANTI-POSITIVISM

“Individuals do not exist in isolation, they need to be understood in the context of their cultural and social life.” (pg. 6)

RE-ENTER POSITIVISM“There has been a move away from the classic positivist position of phenomenalism (where the only acceptable data came from experience) to physicalism (where data is seen to emanate from the world and not merely private experience; intersubjective agreement on objects is allowed).” (pg. 9)

THE ARRIVAL OF THE CONTEMPORARY CRITICS“Traced to their sources,

all activities which pose as science can be traced to fundamental assumptions relating to everyday life and can in no way be regarded as generating knowledge with an 'objective', value-free status, as is sometimes claimed. What passes for scientific knowledge can be shown to be founded upon a set of unstated conventions, beliefs and assumptions, just as everyday, common-sense knowledge is. .” (pg. 13)

THE EMERGENCE OF POST-POSITIVISM

“It asserts the need to do away with the physical science model as the only accepted vehicle for knowledge acquisition, particularly for the social sciences.” (pg. 14)

THE EMERGENCE OF POST-POSITIVISM

“It challenges the tradition that knowledge is actually apodictic (beyond dispute), asserting instead that knowledge claims are simply those accepted by the community.” (pg. 14)

INFORMATION LITERACY & EPISTEMOLOGY

Epistemology creates the “criteria” that distinguishes the separation data, information & knowledge.

PRAXISIs Google Knowledge?

PRAXIS QUESTIONS• How does Mike Rugnetta’s definition of knowledge fit into this discussion of epistemology we’ve been having?

• What is the epistemology of Google?*

• * “One-hand clapping” question

REMINDER BOARD• Read "What is Knowledge Organization (KO)?" from Week 6 Readings in the Course Content section of Blackboard

• Write three questions about the reading.

• “Mind Mapping” is due next Friday

• Personal Synthesis Paper is due the end of the semester