Epistemology of Knowledge

Epistemology of Knowledge

Samiha Holland

Dr. McClain

Psy 207

According to Webster, the definition of knowledge is: the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association; acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique; the fact or condition of being aware of something; the range of one's information or understanding; the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning. In my opinion, knowledge is information both attained and retained daily throughout the course of our lives. It is information that becomes fact for us and guides us through every aspect of living.

There is no greater source of knowledge than living life. Knowledge is developed both on purpose and by accident. It is in living that we experience things that later turn into knowledge. For example, a young child that walks into a puddle and gets their shoes and socks soggy then learns not to walk in a puddle again. The lesson learned during that one experience follows them throughout the course of their life. In addition, an adult in a relationship is constantly learning about their partner’s likes and dislikes and uses that information to hopefully cultivate a healthy and successful relationship.

Knowledge is developed both purposefully and accidentally. Every second that we are breathing we learn something new. Think of the person who gets lost one day, and because they were lost they discover a new route home. They did not necessarily set out to find a new way home but due to unforeseen circumstances they then learned something anyway. Now, think of the student who goes to school everyday ready to take notes and lean something new. This person is actively seeking new information and is therefore rewarded when that information is learned. It is also my belief that knowledge can be attained through habit. I think of all of the songs I have learned the words of over the years. Most of the lyrics were not learned consciously but because the songs came on the radio over and over again, I somehow retained the lyrics.

While I have learned a lot about knowledge in class, most of what I know comes from my experiences. Every single experience that I have gone through from getting my heart broken, graduating from college, buying my first home, and becoming a teacher has made me who and what I am today. Most of what I know in life has not come