Ethics Lec 3

TOPIC deductions.
It is often seen as universally applicable and

SUB-TOPIC timeless. This view is called rationalism.
SUB-SUB-TOPIC
Rationalists promote mathematical or logical knowledge as
paradigm examples. Such knowledge can be grasped, they
claim, through reason alone, without involving the senses
THE SOURCE OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
directly. They argue that knowledge accessed through
The journey of acquiring knowledge begins with its sources. reasoning is eternal (i.e., it exists unchanged throughout the
Traditionally, there are several primary sources of human past, present, and future). For instance, two plus three
knowledge: remains five. Rationalists are impressed by the certainty
and clarity of knowledge that reasoning provides, and they
EXPERIENCE/PERCEPTION. Our senses provide argue that this method should be applied to gaining
immediate experiences of the world. We learn through the knowledge of the world also. The evidence of the senses
five outwards senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) should be in conformity with the truths of reason, but it is
and inward senses (emotions). While perception is a not a prerequisite for the acquisition of these truths.
powerful source, it can be subjective and influenced by
individual circumstances. But where do we ultimately get the ideas on which reason is
based, if not from observation or experience? Rationalists
REASON. This source relies on logical thought and rational tend to favor innatism, the belief that we are born with
analysis. Through reasoning, we draw conclusions from certain ideas already in our minds.
available information, allowing us to construct knowledge
that is not solely dependent on sensory experience. That is, they are “innate” in us. Potential examples include
mathematical or logical principles, moral sense, and the
AUTHORITY/TESTIMONY. For things difficult or concept of God. While innatists claim that such ideas are
impossible to know by personal experience, people present in us from birth, this does not guarantee our
frequently turn to an authority; that is, they seek knowledge immediate awareness of their presence. Reason is the
from someone who has had experience with the problem or faculty that enables us to realize or access them. In what
has some other source of expertise. People accept the follows, innate ideas thus serve as the foundation of a
truth, the word of recognized authorities. Testimony model for rationalism.
includes information passed down through culture,
education, and communication. While it allows for the A posteriori knowledge - latin for “from the latter”.
accumulation of collective knowledge, it also raises Knowledge that is dependent on experience or which arises
questions about reliability and bias. after experience. In contrast, this knowledge arises from
experience and empirical observation. Scientific knowledge
INTROSPECTION. This involves looking inward to typically falls into this category, relying on experimentation
understand our thoughts and feelings. It is crucial for and evidence. This view is called empiricism.
self-awareness and understanding our own cognitive
processes, though it can be limited by personal perspective. START OF LECTURE
Problem of Knowledge
These sources interact and often overlap, creating
a rich tapestry of knowledge. However, they also introduce
1. May freedom
challenges, such as the potential for misinformation and
2. Capable of thinking
subjective interpretations.
“All ideas must pass through our senses” - Aristotle

THE NATURE OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
The nature of human knowledge i
The nature of human knowledge is inherently complex. Source of Knowledge

Knowledge can be classified into two main types: The power of the mind to think, understand the form of
judgment through logic.
A priori knowledge - latin for “from the former”. The
reason is the primary source of knowledge. This is
knowledge that is independent of observation and
experience, such as mathematical truths or logical
The Allegory of the Cave, a famous story by the Greek
philosopher Plato, is a way to explain how people
understand the world around them and how they can be
limited by their own perceptions.
Imagine a group of people who have been living in a dark

cave their whole lives. They are chained in such a way that
they can only see the wall in front of them. Behind them,
there's a fire, and between the fire and the prisoners,
objects are moved, casting shadows on the wall. Since the
prisoners can't see the real objects or the fire, they believe
the shadows are the only reality.
One day, a prisoner escapes and leaves the cave. At first,

he's blinded by the sunlight outside, but eventually, his eyes
adjust, and he sees the real world—trees, rivers, and people.
He realizes that the shadows in the cave were just illusions
and that reality is much more complex.
The story is a metaphor for knowledge and learning. The

cave represents ignorance, the shadows are false beliefs,
and leaving the cave symbolizes gaining true
understanding. Plato is saying that most people live in
ignorance, only seeing the "shadows" of reality, and only
through education and critical thinking can they
understand the truth.
SOURCE:
● https://press.rebus.community/intro-to-phil-epistemolog
y/chapter/sources-of-knowledge-rationalism-empiricis
m-and-the-kantian-synthesis/
●

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TOPIC deductions.

It is often seen as universally applicable and

“All ideas must pass through our senses” - Aristotle

The nature of human knowledge is inherently complex. Source of Knowledge

Imagine a group of people who have been living in a dark

One day, a prisoner escapes and leaves the cave. At first,

The story is a metaphor for knowledge and learning. The

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