Epistemologies, Ways of Knowing

• Epistemology is an umbrella term used to talk about the issues of knowing and knowledge. The term is extremely malleable and is used variably to refer to different ways, means, and methods of knowing in the widest possible sense. Consider the following propositions:

  • The microscope is a way of knowing about microscopic worlds.

  • Science is a way of knowing things about nature.

  • Looking at your watch is a way of knowing what time it is.

  • Feeling hungry is a way of knowing when to eat.

Etymology

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• From Ancient Greek ἐπιστήμη (epistḗmē, “science, knowledge”), from ἐπίσταμαι (epístamai, “I know”) + -λογία (-logía, “discourse”), from λέγω (légō, “I speak”). The term was introduced into English by the Scottish philosopher James Frederick Ferrier (1808-1864).

• From ἐπίσταμαι (epístamai), from ἐπί (epí) +‎ ἵστημι (hístēmi).

• From Proto-Hellenic *hístāmi, from Proto-Indo-European *stísteh₂ti, the reduplicated present of *steh₂-. Cognate with Old English standan (English stand), Sanskrit तिष्ठति (tíṣṭhati) (root स्था (sthā)), Latin sistō, Old Armenian ստանամ (stanam), Persian ایستادن‎ (istādan).

• Proto-Indo-European steh₂- (perfective, "to stand (up)").