Epistemology: Empiricism vs. Rationalism Debate - Essay Sample

Introduction

Epistemology has been essential in the study of the nature and extent of human knowledge; this helps people understand knowledge better, develop reasoning, and comprehend the information acquisition process (Bråten, 2016). Notably, Epistemology studies knowledge acquisition and establishes how the acquired knowledge can distinguish false claims from truth sentiments. The current epistemology is centered on addressing the coexisting debate between empiricism and rationalism: Based on empiricism, the acquisition of knowledge is through personal experience, while rationalism considers reasoning as the significant source of knowledge (Bråten, 2016). Epistemology has proven to be an essential concept due to its ability to presents the nature and extent of human knowledge; the absence of its ideas makes it hard for human beings to rely on the comprehended knowledge to formulate sensible concepts in their minds (Hofer, 2016). Human beings lack a coherent thinking path; thus, epistemology can be used in the enhancement of sound thinking and reasoning.

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Current Concern of Philosophers on Epistemology Shift

Epistemology has been faced with many changes and criticisms for the last two decades (Hofer, 2016). Notably, the emergency of new philosophical arguments has escalated the notion that epistemology theories are outdated and cannot addressing the changing cognitive knowledge. Epistemology shift has deemed the traditional theories of knowledge evaluation inadequate and suggests a replacement with new scientific theories that match the modern world problem and thinking (Hofer, 2016). The shift is expected to influence knowledge definition, science demarcation, and nature and extent of knowledge acquisition. There is adrift in the overtime ways of acquiring knowledge that has been reinforced by expectations, innovation, technology, problem-need, and environmental investigative factors. Currently, knowledge is taken online using laptops, computers, and smartphones, making learners enjoy quick access to e-books and other materials compared to traditional physical libraries (Hofer, 2016). The changes in how human beings acquire knowledge have also impacted on how the comprehended knowledge is being utilized; this explains why many individuals are inclined with the online and digital method of acquiring knowledge.

Philosophers have shown great concern on the epistemological shift since it implies a change in the nature and extent of how human beings acquire knowledge within the modern perspectives (Bråten, 2016). The altered approaches of acquiring and comprehending knowledge are evident in the contemporary learning institutions that are considerably replacing the classroom set-ups that have been used for years to pass knowledge to learners. Notably, the old system requires learners to grasp concepts introduced by their teachers and implement it for immediate and future use; this has been considered essential in advancing learners’ knowledge by considering the tutors as a medium of passing effective knowledge (Bråten, 2016). Currently, the epistemic shift has introduced online learning limiting the physical class attendance. Consequently, the online course encourages the use of online learning materials such as e-book; this has made the physical books and physical libraries be perceived as outdated and hard to access. The modern community has mandated the philosophers with the responsibility of developing modern concepts and contents to be included in the electronic sources that are the critical path of knowledge acquisition; this explains why the shift is becoming a philosophers’ concern (Hofer, 2016). Lastly, philosophers need to update the old ideologies to match the changing means of acquiring and synthesizing knowledge.

Epistemology Shift’ Pros and Cons

The progressive change in epistemology has attracted both pros and cons, and it is expected to trigger adverse impacts in the future study (Bråten, 2016). There are many pros of epistemology shift; however, ease accessibility of online knowledge material through; online platforms has been termed one of the essential advantages. Online users can now access knowledge-driven information anytime and anywhere through laptops, smartphones, tablets, or other modern technologies; this is more convenient than physical libraries and traditional criteria. Additionally, knowledge is gained instantly at the user's comfort, limiting expenses related to transport and physical purchase of learning material. Many learners and scholars consider consulting verified online learning resources more than their tutors; this is because the search engine presented adverse information that elaborates concepts beyond the intended search (Bråten, 2016). Lastly, the epistemology shift has made it practical for easy visualization of knowledge, bettering the extent and nature of applying it at the personal cognitive level.

On the contrary, there are several cons related to epistemology shift that has triggered a significant concern (Hofer, 2016). Firstly, the reading and communication skills that the physical learning environment has strived to instill are eroding at high speed, making most of the thinkers unethical when expressing themselves either verbally or nonverbally; this has negatively impacted on community morals. Secondly, some online sources are incredible and unauthentic, presenting misleading information that negatively impacts the nature of conceptualizing knowledge (Hofer, 2016). Additionally, there are many issues of content duplication related to online learning; this has been triggered by the online loopholes that are hard to navigate, especially by new online information consumers (Hofer, 2016). Lastly, philosophers need to develop accessible guidelines to enable online users to mitigate unethical and misleading information.

Ultimately, the epistemological shift is an inevitable change that targets introducing innovation, ideas, interventions, theories, and concepts essential in addressing current issues. However, the philosophers' concerns are genuine; the pros associated with the current shift of knowledge acquisition have outweighed them, changing the nature and extent of acquiring and synthesizing knowledge. The online learning has reinforced regular research that has made learning material more accessible and convenient for online users; this has also reduced expenses related to consistent printing and purchasing physical learning material. Lastly, epistemology shift needs to be embraced; this will avail more knowledge-based materials improving the nature of acquiring knowledge.

References

Bråten, I. (2016). Epistemic Cognition Interventions (pp. 360-371). Routledge, New York.

Hofer, B. K. (2016). Epistemic Cognition as a Psychological Construct: Advancements and Challenges. In Handbook of Epistemic Cognition (pp. 31-50). Routledge.