epistemology

noun

epis·​te·​mol·​o·​gy i-ˌpi-stə-ˈmä-lə-jē How to pronounce epistemology (audio)
: the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity
epistemologist noun

Examples of epistemology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The question is seldom raised, and the autobiographical remarks usually ignored, for traditional readings of Kant focus on his epistemology, or theory of knowledge. Susan Neiman, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024 Take John Danaher, a monklike New Zealander who got his first taste of jiu-jitsu as a graduate student studying epistemology at Columbia University; a guy half his size challenged him to a fight (in the philosophy-department office) and wore him out in minutes. Stephanie Hayes, The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2021 While McConaghy presents intelligent perspectives on the wisdom of rewilding, the book goes into deeper questions of epistemology. Margaret Wappler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2021 An alternative conclusion—richer in possibilities, in my opinion—is that scientific thought in recent decades invites us to reject empiricism and to endorse a broader epistemology. WSJ, 3 Oct. 2021 See all Example Sentences for epistemology 

Word History

Etymology

Greek epistḗmē "skill, expertise, knowledge" + -o- + -logy, initially as translation of German Wissenschaftslehre — more at epistemic

First Known Use

circa 1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epistemology was circa 1856

Dictionary Entries Near epistemology

Cite this Entry

“Epistemology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epistemology. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on epistemology

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!