Why Epistemology is important

[this text is currently work in progress…]

Epistemology sounds like a big word - the type you read and your brain immediately zones out - abandon ship, it screams! - the text is going to be too much work to comprehend!

But I like the subject matter, I think it’s fundamental to living a well thought out life. It can help you become a better person if you become aware of it and understand it a little.

What is it and why do I care?

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, how to build a knowledge system. Each Epistemological theory attempts to explain how knowledge should be built and why it is better than other theories.

We all follow Epistemological models as we go about our lives, but we are not explicitly aware of them - we know them intuitively - we use a mishmash of deduction, empirical evidence, our senses, past experiences, deference to authority to try to decide on the best course of action. We waddle along, kind of understanding things but not really sure in the end about anything. Most times we end up deferring and accepting what other people who we think understand specific topics better think we should do.

“It’s too complicated, let the experts figure it out.”

Bad knowledge is everywhere

Too often we follow experts, our senses, our intuition and they are simply not good enough. We are then left powerless without solutions as we have not mastered any Epistemological system, we cannot be the creators of new knowledge - that is for other, smarter people to do, not us!

Epistemology puts you back in charge

Having a good grasp of an epistemological model is important. If we understand the rules and have found a model we believe in, we can all contribute and create new knowledge within that model. As long as you pass the rules, your new information should be able to be added into the mix. You don’t need to be an expert or authority figure, you need to be meticulous.

Many models, many conflicts

There are many different Epistemological models, I believe this is a constant source of conflict in the world. Faith vs Empiricism are two models that are typically in contradiction. If we understand a little more about each model we are able to both pick the appropriate model for each situation and also become aware when we are trying to solve problems with others and they are thinking in a different model. There can be no resolution if our rules are different. This awareness is very helpful to disarm unnecessary conflicts.

It’s important, but not enough by itself

Trying to follow an Epistemological system can be extremely difficult on a personal level. Knowing how to apply the rules and making knowledge fit into different boxes can be quite challenging. So, knowing about Epistemology and it’s rules is not enough to be able to have better knowledge.