Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, scope, and validity of knowledge. It seeks to answer fundamental questions such as:
1. What is knowledge?
• Differentiating between belief, opinion, and justified true belief.
2. How is knowledge acquired?
• Exploring methods like perception, reason, memory, and testimony.
3. What are the limits of knowledge?
• Considering skepticism and the boundaries of human understanding.
4. What makes beliefs justified or true?
• Examining the criteria for justification and the relationship between belief and truth.
Epistemology is often divided into subfields such as empiricism (knowledge through sensory experience), rationalism (knowledge through reason), and constructivism (knowledge as constructed by individuals or social groups). It plays a crucial role in understanding how we interpret and interact with the world.