E P I S T E M O L O G Y

THE ART OF THINKING, LEARNING, MEMORY FORMATION AND RECALL Part I

                         “We are who we are because of what we learn and what we remember.”

Epistemology is derived from Greek words of episteme (knowledge) + logos (study of). Then, Epistemology could simply be defined as, the study of science and the theory of knowledge, especially with regards to its methods of thinking, validity and scope. Epistemology is considered one of the five major branches of philosophy. The other branches are Metaphysics/Ontology, Logic, Ethics and Aesthetics.

 Without going into detailed philosophical discussions, it could be said that renown French philosopher and mathematician Rene Descartes is the father of epistemology. The other well- known epistemology philosophers are teacher - students trio of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle who are considered the greatest thinkers of the ancient world. Another well-known epistemologist are Immanuel Kant and David Hume.

Epistemology is more than opinions and beliefs. It requires deeper probing without restrictive dogmas, into the origin and the source of knowledge. It questions the premise and rethinks the concept. It asks the question of “why” ,as often as, “why not”, and “ how”, in order to see the essence of the truth in the knowledge.

Critical thinking is prerequisite for epistemology. In order to see the truth and, to be able to self-learn, one must possess a strong reasoning and critical thinking abilities. This is the only way one could find the true path, in the deluge of misinformation and falsehoods in our modern and highly and profit oriented modern societies.

Besides thinking, three other basic epistemological factors are   truth, beliefs and justification.

 Truth can be defined as an occurrence in which there is only facts, no falsehood or false propositions. Facts and truth are not exactly the same. A fact is something that is indisputable, based on empirical research and quantifiable measures. Truth includes facts but may also include belief.

Knowledge can be defined as, “as the acquisition of truth, based on justified facts and true beliefs”. Information is not knowledge. Information it is just a refined form of data that is meaningful to the recipient.

Proper learning, knowledge acquisition, and strong memory formation can only be achieved through persistent, slow, deliberate critical thinking and, full understanding of the issue at hand. There are other sources of knowledge acquisitions which are perception, consciousness, reasoning and experience. There are also different types of knowledge: Factual knowledge, Conceptual knowledge, Procedural knowledge and Metacognitive knowledge.

Conceptual knowledge is related to mental concepts and ideas. Metacognitive knowledge is related to cognition which is a mental process of acquiring knowledge through thinking, senses and experiences.

Knowledge and memory are not exactly the same, but they are two sides of the same coin. Without memory, knowledge can’t be preserved, recalled and used.

In upcoming part 2 of this article, we will discuss the biological mechanism of learning at the neuro-cellular and molecular level and how to study  smart, effective and powerful  way , and to remember  what you have learned.