Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University

Running head: THE TITLE OF THE PAPER 1

THE TITLE OF THE PAPER 2

The Title of the Paper Goes Here

Student Name

Mississippi State University

The Title of the Paper Goes Here

This document provides guidelines for the paper. Please notice the title of the paper is included here. Also, note that the word “introduction” is not used as a heading. In this section please include a general introduction that ends with a thesis statement informing the reader of the content of the paper. (1 paragraph of 5-8 sentences [varied styles])

Epistemology and Knowledge

In this section, define and discuss knowledge and epistemology. How are the two intertwined? What has been noted about each in the readings and class discussion? (2-3 paragraphs of 5-8 sentences [varied styles])

Broad Epistemological Assumptions

In this section, define and discuss the three broad epistemological assumptions discussed in class. Please provide cited direct quotations or paraphrased definitions from reputable sources (e.g., journal articles). (2-3 paragraphs of 5-8 sentences [varied styles])

Personal Epistemological Assumption

In this section, discuss your epistemological assumption based on the readings, class discussions and the quiz. In order to do this, complete the quiz and take note of your responses. Include the summary of your epistemological assumption that is provided at the end of the quiz. Discuss your interpretation of the assumption provided at the conclusion of the quiz. Also discuss the ways in which you now understand how your epistemological stance contributes to the way you think and know. For example, if, according to the test, you think subjectively, discuss how you are able to understand how others may experience situations differently than you. Or if, according to the test, you think subjectively but you know that it is a challenge for you to view situations from others’ perspectives, speculate potential reasons for this discrepancy.

See quiz: https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=epistemology-and-you. (2-4 paragraphs of 5-8 sentences [varied styles])

Conclusion

In this section, provide a summary and/or conclusion relation to knowledge, epistemology and your critical thinking. Highlight what you hope to gather from this course as we move forward. Finish the section with a strong sentence that demonstrates a general understanding of the role of epistemology in our thinking. The way that a paper begins and ends is just as important as the information included in the body.

(1 paragraph)

References

Ellerton, P. (2017, August). How do you know that what you know is true? That’s epistemology. The Conversation. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/how-do-you-know-that-what-you-know-is-true-thats-epistemology-63884.

Felton, M. K., & Kuhn, D. (2007). “How do I know?” The epistemological roots of critical thinking. The Journal of Museum Education32(2), 101-110. Retrieved from http://www.educationforthinking.org/sites/default/files/pdf/02-03HowDoIKnow.pdf.

Freychris424 (n.d.). Epistemology and you. ProProfs Quiz Maker. Retrieved from https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=epistemology-and-you.

Nosich, G. M. (2012). Chapter 1: What is critical thinking? In G. M. Nosich’s, Learning to think things through: A guide to critical thinking across the curriculum (4th ed.). Pearson Education. Retrieved from https://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/samplechapter/0/1/3/7/0137085141.pdf.

Pearson (n.d.). What is critical thinking? Retrieved from http://wps.pearsoncustom.com/wps/media/objects/3388/3469470/ch05.pdf.

Appendix A: Epistemology and You Quiz

Questions and Answers

1. Finish the sentence: The scientific method is….

· …the only proven way to discover truth(s).

· …flawed, but an effective process to answer many questions.

· …an invented method of inquiry designed to increase the perception of certainty and truth in a scientist’s mind.

2. If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

· No. Sound is a human construction we use to perceive our reality. If nobody was there to process and construct the sound, then it would not exist.

· Very likely, there is no way to be 100% sure, but if a tree falls in a forest it should make a sound.

· Yes, of course. What a silly question.

3. How do we know that the sky is blue?

· Observation and measurement. The sky emits a certain wavelength of light that our eye perceives as blue.

· Observation and measurement. Although we cannot be 100% certain the sky is blue because our measurement systems have bias and human limitation.

· Color is socially constructed. We know the sky is blue because we were socialized to construct the world in a certain ways, such as color identification.

4. Is it possible to truly understand historical events?

· Not 100%, although with triangulation of many forms of evidence we can get a good idea of what happened.

· No, historical events are inherently open to different interpretations from both the first-hand participants and later people studying the events. Understanding of events is constantly in flux and therefore there can be no “true” or “absolute” understanding.

· Through artifacts, personal accounts, and carbon-dating we can recreate an accurate account of historical events.

5. What is the significance of this statement: “I think, therefore I am.”

· Not significant, even if you aren’t thinking…you still exist in some measurable form.

· Some significance, but your body is still part of the external reality.

· Quite significant, thinking and processing are the core of existence and reality.

6. What is the difference between knowledge and belief?

· Knowledge can be proven but beliefs have a “falsifiable problem” since they cannot be proved or disproved.

· Perception.

· The line between the two can be delicate, but generally knowledge can be proven through experiments and beliefs have a “falsifiable problem.”

7. Finish the sentence: Truth is….

· Relative

· Absolute, but difficult to figure out.