Truth and Knowledge in Everday Life

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Truth and Knowledge in Everday Life

Knowledge- That Example 1: Knowing that Paris is the capital of France. This is a factual statement that a person can know without needing to have visited Paris or directly interacted with the place. It's propositional knowledge because it's a statement that can be verified as true. Example 2: Knowing that water boils at 100°C (at sea level). This is another fact or truth. A person who knows this has propositional knowledge about the properties of water, which is independent of any personal experience boiling water.

Correspondence Theory: According to the correspondence theory, the truth of knowledge is determined by how accurately a statement matches objective reality. For example, knowing that the Earth orbits the Sun is true because it accurately reflects the structure of our solar system. This knowledge corresponds to reality, as it can be verified through scientific observation. The same applies to knowing that water freezes at 0°C; this fact is true because it aligns with the physical properties of water under standard conditions. In both cases, the truth of the knowledge is determined by its correspondence to observable, external facts about the world.

Coherence theory: knowledge is considered true if it fits logically within a system of interconnected beliefs. For example, knowing that the United States has 50 states is true because it aligns with the broader framework of geographical and political knowledge about the country. This fact fits into our understanding of the United States as a federal republic made up of individual states. Similarly, knowing that plants need sunlight to grow is true because it coheres with established biological principles about photosynthesis. Both examples illustrate how knowledge is validated by its consistency and compatibility with other beliefs in a larger system of understanding.

Knowledge- WH Example 1: Knowing "who the president of the United States is." A person might know the current president of the United States through propositional knowledge, answering the question "Who is the president?" Example 2: Knowing "why the sky is blue" A person who understands that the sky appears blue due to the scattering of light by the atmosphere possesses knowledge of "why" something happens, which is propositional knowledge concerning a causal explanation.

Coherence Theory: Example: "Where is the nearest hospital?" The truth of the statement could also be assessed by how well the belief fits with other information you have. If, for example, you know that hospitals are usually located in specific areas of the city (such as near the center or near major intersections), and someone tells you that the nearest hospital is in a different area that matches other general knowledge, this knowledge would be considered true because it fits coherently with your understanding of where hospitals are typically located. The more this piece of information aligns with other beliefs about the town's layout, the more coherent the knowledge is.

Pragmatism Theory: Example: Knowing the best time to plant crops – The truth of "plant crops in early spring" is based on its practical outcome. If planting crops during early spring leads to a better harvest, the knowledge is considered "true" because it works in practice. The practical, beneficial results of this knowledge (successful growth and harvest) validate its truth.

Knowledge by Acquaintance Example 1:A person who eats an apple knows the taste of the apple through direct sensory experience (taste, smell, and texture). This knowledge cannot be fully conveyed through words alone—it's something they know because they've directly interacted with the apple. Example 2: Someone walking on a beach knows what it feels like to walk on the sand because they've experienced it. This knowledge comes from direct, sensory interaction with the environment (the feeling of sand underfoot, the sound of waves, the sight of the ocean).

Coherence Theory: Coherence theory would focus on how well the person's sensory experience fits with other beliefs or experiences they have. For example, if the person has eaten different apples and consistently experiences a similar taste or texture, their belief about the apple’s taste cohere with their broader understanding of what apples are like. The truth of the experience is validated by its alignment with their past experiences and the expectations of others.

Correspondence Theory: According to the correspondence theory, the truth of the knowledge a person has about the taste of an apple or the feel of walking on the beach depends on how accurately the person's experience matches the real, objective characteristics of the apple or the beach. If the person accurately perceives the apple's taste or the texture of the sand, the knowledge corresponds to reality, thus being true.

Knowledge- How Example 1: Knowing how to ride a bicycle A person who can ride a bicycle has knowledge-how. This knowledge is not easily expressed in a simple sentence but is a skill that is acquired through practice and experience. Example 2: Knowing how to play the piano Learning to play the piano involves skills such as finger placement, reading music, and coordination. This type of knowledge involves practical, hands-on ability rather than theoretical or propositional knowledge.

Pragmatism theory: The truth of knowledge a person has about a belief or a technology is determined by its practical consequences or how it works in real-life situations. For example, the truth of a new vaccine's efficacy is judged not just by scientific theory but by its ability to reduce illness in the population. If the vaccine works in practice—preventing disease as intended—it is considered true because it leads to beneficial, tangible results. The knowledge of its effectiveness is thus verified through its practical application and outcomes.

Correspondence theory: The truth of knowledge a person has about a natural phenomenon, such as the laws of gravity or a natural disaster, depends on how accurately the person's understanding aligns with the objective reality of those events. For example, when a news report describes the occurrence of an earthquake, the truth of the statement depends on whether it accurately corresponds to the actual event. If the event happened as described, the knowledge or report corresponds to reality and is thus considered true.