Bertrand Russell argues that humanity demands consideration solely as the instrument by which we acquire knowledge of the universe.

Who decides what should be recognized as knowledge? What forces engender knowledge? How do certain forms of it acquire precedence over the rest, and why? Exploring these fundamental questions, this book provides an introductory outline of the vast history of knowledge systems under the broad categories of European and non-European, specifically Indian. It not only traces ontology and epistemology in spatio-temporal terms, but also contextualizes methodological development by comparing Indian and European systems of knowledge and their methods of production as well as techniques ensuring reliability. Knowledge cannot have a history of its own, independent of social history. Therefore, using a vast array of sources, including Greek, Prakrit, Chinese, and Arab texts, the book situates the history of knowledge production within the matrix of multiple socio-economic and politico-cultural systems. Further, the volume also analyses the process of the rise of science and new science and reviews speculative thoughts about the dynamics of the subatomic micro-universe as well as the mechanics of the galactic macro-universe.

In Knowledge, Art, and Power: An Outline of a Theory of Experience John Ryder presents an original theory of experience rooted in the American pragmatic naturalist philosophical tradition. The operative assumption of the book is that a clearer understanding of experience provides a richer conception of human being. Beginning with the Deweyan idea of experience as the mutually constitutive engagement of an individual with her environing conditions, the theory posits that there are three general dimensions that condition all of our experience - cognitive (knowledge), aesthetic (art), and political (power). All other constituents and forms of experience, such as language, emotions, ethics, religion, and others, are conditioned by these three general threads that define the fabric of experience and of human life.

An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge guides the reader through the key issues and debates in contemporary epistemology. Lucid, comprehensive and accessible, it is an ideal textbook for students who are new to the subject and for university undergraduates. The book is divided into five parts. Part I discusses the concept of knowledge and distinguishes between different types of knowledge. Part II surveys the sources of knowledge, considering both a priori and a posteriori knowledge. Parts III and IV provide an in-depth discussion of justification and scepticism. The final part of the book examines our alleged knowledge of the past, other minds, morality and God. O'Brien uses engaging examples throughout the book, taking many from literature and the cinema. He explains complex issues, such as those concerning the private language argument, non-conceptual content, and the new riddle of induction, in a clear and accessible way. This textbook is an invaluable guide to contemporary epistemology.

Theory of "conceptual pragmatism" takes into account both modern philosophical thought and modern mathematics. Stimulating discussions of metaphysics, a priori, philosophic method, much more.

This book explores ancient accounts of the nature of knowledge and belief from Socrates' predecessors up to the Platonists of late antiquity.

Introduction to Philosophy: Epistemology engages first-time philosophy readers on a guided tour through the core concepts, questions, methods, arguments, and theories of epistemology-the branch of philosophy devoted to the study of knowledge. After a brief overview of the field, the book progresses systematically while placing central ideas and thinkers in historical and contemporary context. The chapters cover the analysis of knowledge, the nature of epistemic justification, rationalism vs. empiricism, skepticism, the value of knowledge, the ethics of belief, Bayesian epistemology, social epistemology, and feminist epistemologies. Along the way, instructors and students will encounter a wealth of additional resources and tools: Chapter learning outcomes Key terms Images of philosophers and related art Useful diagrams and tables Boxes containing excerpts and other supplementary material Questions for reflection Suggestions for further reading A glossary For an undergraduate survey epistemology course, Introduction to Philosophy: Epistemology is ideal when used as a main text paired with primary sources and scholarly articles. For an introductory philosophy course, select book chapters are best used in combination with chapters from other books in the Introduction to Philosophy series: https: //www1.rebus.community/#/project/4ec7ecce-d2b3-4f20-973c-6b6502e7cbb2.

Written 1884-1885; first published 1886 (CW 2) As the editor of Goethe's scientific writings during the 1880s, Rudolf Steiner became immersed in a worldview that paralleled and amplified his own views in relation to epistemology, the interface between science and philosophy, the theory of how we know the world and ourselves. At the time, like much of the thinking today and the foundation of modern natural science, the predominant theories held that individual knowledge is limited to thinking that reflects objective, sensory perception. Steiner's view was eventually distilled in his Anthroposophical Leading Thoughts in 1924: There are those who believe that, with the limits of knowledge derived from sensory perception, the limits of all insight are given. Yet if they would carefully observe how they become conscious of these limits, they would find in the very consciousness of the limits the faculties to transcend them. In this concise volume, Steiner lays out his argument for this view and, moreover, begins his explication of how one goes beyond thinking to the observation of thinking itself. Goethe's Theory of Knowledge is essential reading for a deeper understanding of Rudolf Steiner's seminal work, Intuitive Thinking as a Spiritual Path: A Philosophy of Freedom. CONTENTS: Introduction by Christopher Bamford Preface to the Edition of 1924 by Rudolf Steiner Foreword to the First Edition (1886) by Rudolf Steiner A. Preliminary Questions 1. The Point of Departure 2. Goethe's Science According to Schiller's Method 3. The Purpose of Our Science B. Experience 4. Establishing the Concept of Experience 5. Examining the Essence of Experience 6. Correcting the Erroneous View of Experience as a Totality 7. The Experience of Each Individual Reader C. Thinking 8. Thinking as a Higher Experience within Experience 9. Thinking and Consciousness 10. The Inner Nature of Thinking D. Knowledge 11. Thought and Perception 12. Intellect and Reason 13. The Act of Cognition 14. Cognition and the Ultimate Ground of Things E. Knowing Nature 15. Inorganic Nature 16. Organic Nature F. The Humanities 17. Introduction: Mind and Nature 18. Psychological Cognition 19. Human Freedom 20. Optimism and Pessimism G. Conclusion 21. Knowledge and Artistic Creation Notes to the First Edition 1886] Annotations to the Edition of 1924 A Theory of Knowledge is a translation from the German of Grundlinien einer Erkenntnistheorie der Goetheschen Weltanschauung, mit besonderer R cksicht auf Schiller (GA 2). Previous translations were published as The Science of Knowing (1988) and The Theory of Knowledge implicit in Goethe's World-Conception: Fundamental Outlines with Special Reference to Schiller (1940).