Logic and Critical Thinking

• Theories of knowledge


  Also known as epistemological theories, seek to understand the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge
• Prominent theories of knowledge

  • Empiricism
  • Rationalism
  • Empirical Rationalism (Critical Rationalism)
  • Skepticism
  • Coherentism
  • Foundationalism
• Empiricism


  • Knowledge originates from sensory experience and observation
  • All knowledge is derived from sensory perceptions and empirical evidence
• Rationalism


  • Reason and rationality are the primary sources of knowledge
  • Certain truths can be known independently of sensory experience through innate ideas or logical reasoning
• Empirical Rationalism (Critical Rationalism)


  • Synthesizes elements of empiricism and rationalism
  • Acknowledges the importance of empirical evidence in acquiring knowledge, while also recognizing the role of reason and critical thinking in evaluating and refining beliefs
• Skepticism


  • Calls into question the possibility of attaining knowledge with certainty
  • Knowledge claims are inherently uncertain and subject to doubt
• Coherentism


  • Knowledge consists of a coherent system of beliefs that mutually support and reinforce each other
  • Justification is derived from the internal consistency and coherence of one's beliefs
• Foundationalism


  • Knowledge is built upon a foundation of basic, self-evident beliefs or truths
  • Certain beliefs are properly basic and do not require further justification, providing a secure epistemic foundation for knowledge
• Criteria of truth


  Philosophical frameworks or theories that seek to define what makes a statement or belief true
• Correspondence Theory


  • A statement is considered true if it corresponds to or accurately represents facts or reality
  • Truth is objective and independent of human beliefs or perceptions
• Pragmatic Theory


  • A statement is considered true if it is useful or effective in achieving practical goals or solving problems
  • Truth is determined by its practical implications or consequences rather than its correspondence with objective reality
• Coherence Theory


  • A statement is considered true if it coheres or fits logically with other statements within a coherent system
  • Truth is determined by the logical relationships and consistency among beliefs rather than their correspondence with reality