Epistemology is a branch of philosophy that is comprised of the understanding of various
parts of knowledge. In particular, this branch of philosophy focuses on the nature, possibilities,
and limitations of knowledge (Entwistle, 2015). The main concern within epistemology is to
depict whether our knowledge claims could withstand criticisms and other various scrutiny, to
which we can decipher and separate opinions from that of justified belief, or if they simply
cannot (Entwistle, 2015). Essentially, epistemology studies the perception of reality through
various points of view.
Everyone is different, as different people can view and think differently on various
subjects. Epistemology is a collaboration of three main categories, which everyone can typically
be placed into depending on their own perceptions. Those three categories consist of the naïve
realists, the anti-realists, and the critical realists. First and foremost, the naïve realists are on one
end of the spectrum, they take their perceptions to the extreme in which they believe that in
everything, there is a direct one-to one correspondence with one's perceptions and one's reality,
meaning that everything has a point-blank correlation (Entwistle, 2015). At the completely
opposite end of the spectrum lie the radical anti-realists. The anti-realists believe that all
observation is theory laden (Entwistle, 2015). The anti-realists propose that there is not
necessarily a correspondence between perception and reality, rather that the individual and the
surrounding community as well as the assumptions of our theories come are all compiled to
create one’s perception (Entwistle, 2015). Lastly, there are the critical realists, which lie in
between the naïve realists and the critical realists. The critical realist acknowledges that while
assumptions and biases play a vital role in perception, that reality also creates some significant
limitations on the interpretation of what one's perception may be (Entwistle, 2015).
I personally feel as though I reside with the critical realist's perspective. In this
perspective, what is presented to you is what you expect and look for or manifest in your life. As
an example of this, when I lost my dad last year, a lot of people began to push their own
perceptions upon me, about God having a plan for him, and at the time I thought it was
incredibly unfair and it pushed me away from God. In turn, the bias that I created changed my
perception of God thinking he was trying to take everything from me as in the next week my dog
also passed as well. As time has continued to pass and I have been able to think about the
situation, my perspective on God has since changed.
There are four methods of knowing that include logic, empiricism, revelation, and
hermeneutics. Firstly, logic holds that one can use reasoning and rationality to separate beliefs
from facts (Entwistle, 2015). Secondly, empiricism is solely based on experience. The individual
has the capability of evaluating and comparing their experiences to their claims of knowledge.
Thirdly, revelation is comprised of the signs that are placed around humankind by God, and the
awareness of humankind of those signs. In revelation God presents himself indirectly as well as
indirectly (Entwistle, 2015). Lastly, hermeneutics is essential for ensuring that the word of God
is not distorted or misunderstood. Rules are set in place to ensure that the message sent by God is
effectively and correctly passed on to those who need to receive it (Entwistle, 2015). A limitation
of hermeneutics is that the person who is receiving the message may misinterpret the meaning if
the person who relays the message does not express it in the correct manner.
In my view, I feel as though that hermeneutics is best suited for Christians. This method
of knowing is the most significant to Christians because they are taught how to understand and
interpret the word of God, as it is an essential part of being a Christian. In order to fully
understand the word of God, we must trust in him rather than rely on ourselves to figure things
out. As expressed in (Proverbs 3:5, English Standard Version), “Trust in the Lord with all your
heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
References
Bible gateway passage: Proverbs 3:5-6 - English standard version. Bible Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A5-6&version=ESV
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). In Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An
introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration.
essay, Cascade Books.
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