5 The theory of knowledge
1. Introduction to epistemology
The branch of philosophy that us concerned with the study of philosophy is called epistemology
2.Cognitive faculties
Reason and sense are the two main instruments we use to experience reality. Thanks to our senses we are aware of what is going on around us, which help usto survive. Sensitive knowledge is the result of processing all this information in our minds.
The information that reaches our sense is made up of sensations and perception....
4 The philosophy of science
1. Historical conceptions of scienceUp until Middle Ages, Aristotelian science was presominant. It started that:
There is no difference between science and philosophy
Science involves finding explanations for things that we admire
Science is the knowledge of essences
It endeavours to find out the primary causes of all that is real
Modern science, which began with Copernicus and was furthered by Galileo, uses experimentation as a means for proof.
There are three fundamental...
3 The philosophy of nature
1. Admiring nature
The teleological answer views natural order as a result of a predeterminated plan. This answer leads, to belief in the existence of a supernatural being, who is the creator of a natural order and ultimately responsible for the end being purpused.
The mechanistic answer states that nature is like a machine. All the changes that occur in nature are the result of the necessary action of mechanisms on other mechanisms. the 'machine' cannot establish objectives...