Epistemology

Epistemology examines the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge, exploring how we know what we claim to know and what it means to justify beliefs. As a central branch of philosophy, it addresses questions about truth, skepticism, and the relationship between belief and evidence, distinguishing itself from topics like ethics or metaphysics.

Use epistemology to target readings about theories of knowledge, such as empiricism, rationalism, or skepticism, and to trace historical and contemporary debates. To contrast epistemological inquiry with other philosophical disciplines, look to adjacent categories in Philosophy that focus on values, reality, or logic for alternative frameworks and subject matter.