Sarah Stanley

Rev, Wugh

Psychology 420

Epistemology

Epistemology is the study of knowledge. The study is very important because knowledge

is the thing that standardizes, defines, the world that we try to understand. In the realm of

epistemology there are three different models of how certain we as people can be in our

knowledge. The first model is a naive realist, this model states that what we perceived is reality.

An example of this is when people don't understand hardships and other social constructs,

because they themselves have not experienced them. The second model is anti-realist, which

means that our perception does not equal reality, this takes into account the fact that things are

subjectively seen. The third model is a critical realist and it is considered to be in the middle of

the other two. This model understands that there is an objective understanding, but it is seen

through the perception of people's subjective minds. In the article by Deaton I talks about the

misunderstanding of random control trials. Something that is noted in the article is that

interpretation can be combined with conceptual and theoretical development to create better

understanding (Deaton 2018). I would like to think that I fall under the critical realist model. As

a Christian I do understand that there is an ultimate truth, but as a person I also recognize that

some people do not perceive that truth in the same ways. The textbook mentions the construct of

sin nature, we live in a fallen world, where our perceptions are skewed (Entwistle 2015).

In the textbook it talks about the four different methods of knowing. The first method is

empiricism, this is the idea that that knowledge is solely backed by evidence. The downfall with

this one, is that the people observing the evidence can have a skewed perception of what is going
on. Another downfall of this is that everything cannot be objectively and tangibly observed at

any given time. In the article by O'Hagan it talks about the importance empirical and rational

design. The importance of this is due to the germ nature of vaccines and how we can observe

things for a while knowing that vastly new outcomes can appear in generations seemingly out of

nowhere (O'Hagan 2015). Another way of knowing is authority, this is learning from people that

have authority such as teachers, doctors, and scientists. The downfall of this method is that good

and bad things can be passed down through the teachings. Another way of knowing is logic, this

is split up into two different sections, inductive, and deductive reasoning. These modes of

reasoning usually fall under guidelines and our standards. The downfall of this is that there is

room for human error, there's also the ability for the standards to be changed. The last mode of

knowing is through Revelation also known as hermeneutics. This can be seen in spiritual

constructs especially through the Christian faith. This is when someone's knowledge is being

reinforced by a divine intervention. In the article by Kováč I talks about the history or

hermeneutics. This history goes back to Greek myths and other mythological human construct.

The end of the article talks about the value of hermeneutics in regards to peoples capacity for

unified knowledge. (Kováč 2019). The downfall of this is that not everyone adheres to a spiritual

authority, nor does everyone except hermeneutics as a justified way a rationalization.

I think that the hermeneutics and learning from authority are very appropriate methods of

knowing. I think a big art of the Christian faith is one’s relationship with God. God speaks to his

children and if we seek him, we know the truth. A big part of Christian community is seeking out

mentors and elders. These people within the church body will pass down great knowledge and

guidance.
 Reference page

Deaton, A., & Cartwright, N. (2018). Understanding and misunderstanding randomized controlled trials.

Social Science & Medicine, 210, 2-21. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.12.005

Entwistle, D. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview

issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration (3rd ed.). Eugene, OR: Wipf and

Stock Publishers.

Kováč, L. (2019). A case for evolutionary hermeneutics. EMBO Reports, 20(2), n/a.

doi:10.15252/embr.201847620

O'Hagan, D.,T., & Fox, C. B. (2015). New generation adjuvants - from empiricism to rational design.

Vaccine, 33, B14-B20. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.01.088