noun

epistemology

ih-pis-tuh-MOL-uh-jee

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Epistemology (noun) means the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge, asking what it is, how it is gained and how we can be sure it is true. Example: “Her thesis looked at epistemology and the limits of scientific certainty.”

noun

The branch of philosophy that studies knowledge, asking what it is, how it is gained and how we can be sure it is true.

"Her thesis looked at epistemology and the limits of scientific certainty."

"Epistemology asks how we can tell that what we believe is actually true."

"He took a first-year course in epistemology alongside ethics and logic."

A particular theory or account of knowledge held by a person or school of thought.

"The two philosophers worked from very different epistemologies."

"Her epistemology treats experience as the only real source of knowledge."

"Critics argued that his epistemology left too little room for doubt."

How to use epistemology

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe study of knowledge itself: what we know and how we know it.

When to use it

It is an academic, philosophical term rarely used outside study or discussion of philosophy.

Memory tip

Stress the fourth syllable, mol, as in ih-pis-tuh-MOL-uh-jee, and take care not to confuse the word with etymology.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

etymology →

Common pairings

a theory of epistemology study epistemology an epistemology course questions of epistemology

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “epistemology” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her thesis looked at _____ and the limits of scientific certainty.

Etymology

The word is built from the Ancient Greek epistēmē, meaning science or knowledge, itself from epistamai, to know, joined to -logia, meaning the study of. The English term was coined by the Scottish philosopher James Frederick Ferrier, who lived from 1808 to 1864.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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epistemics metaknowledge

Rhymes for epistemology

eulogy apology zoology biology ecology analogy geology trilogy etiology pedagogy mycology virology

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Frequently asked questions

What does epistemology mean?

It is the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge: what it is, how we get it, and how we know it is true.

Who coined the word epistemology?

The Scottish philosopher James Frederick Ferrier introduced the term into English.

What is the difference between epistemology and ethics?

Epistemology studies knowledge and how we know things, while ethics studies right and wrong conduct; they are separate branches of philosophy.

What is the meaning of epistemology?

"epistemology" (noun) means the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge, asking what it is, how it is gained and how we can be sure it is true.