Changes in Approaches to Epistemology
[ send me this paper ]
A 10 page essay on the viability of epistemology as a theory. Known as the ‘theory of knowledge,' epistemology is discussed in philosophical circles as something that may or may not be alive and functioning: its critics say that the changes in the approaches from the traditional to the analytic has destroyed its practice. Those critics, however, fail to take into account the rapidity and drama of the changes in the world today, and that cultural biases now also must be accounted for in any study of knowledge. The theory is argued to be viable and functioning, even by groups that may be unaware of its formal name. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: Epistem.wps

Logic of Scientific Inquiry
[ send me this paper ]
Epistemology, or the basic logic and assumptions that underlie systematic, scientific inquiry is based on the fact that scientific knowledge as 'responding construction' is dependent on cognitive relations to reality other than those generated through the senses and through theoretical reflection, which includes the experience of judgment rooted in the self-awareness of the subject. Another approach to analysis of the practices of knowing is critical scrutiny of the sociohistorical context of research programs. The socio-cognitive perspective purports that ideas about reality are constructed through interactions that are processes of meaning creation. This 20 page paper examines different knowledge systems, the purpose of research, the processes of deductive and inductive reasoning, nomothetic and idiosyncratic approaches and normal as compared to revolutionary science. It looks at many of the elements of scientific method such as causality, correlation, necessary and sufficient conditions and types of theories. Bibliography lists 24 sources.
Filename: KTinquire.wps

Zagzebski's 'Virtues of Mind'
[ send me this paper ]
A 6 page paper on Linda Zagzebski's 'Virtues of the Mind: An Inquiry into the Nature of Virtue and the Ethical Foundations of Knowledge,' which argues that Zagzebski's theory is valid and based on an inclusive study of why people act on knowledge, and where knowledge is based. The paper posulates that her intent is to not seek to rewrite the current theories, but to combine them. Theories used for the basis of her thesis include: epistemology (virtue), and philosophical and psychological bases of knowledge. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: Zagzebsk.rtf