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What is a potential thesis statement on a topic from the chapters on epistemology?

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A potential thesis statement on epistemology could explore the distinction between "noumena" and phenomena as introduced by Plato, focusing on the unreliability of human perception as depicted in "Theaetetus." Alternatively, one could examine Kant's concept of the synthetic a priori, analyzing how human perception is conditioned by spatial and temporal frameworks. Another approach might critique various epistemological methods, such as scientific, religious, or intuitive knowledge, challenging the notion of universal truth.

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Different texts take different approaches to epistemology, with some focusing on contemporary theories and others on its historical evolution. One way to write an essay about epistemology is to take as a starting point a particular landmark in philosophical thought about the subject.

One possibility is to begin with the Platonic distinction between "noumena" (things as they are known to the mind) and phenomena (things as they appear to the senses). In an essay on this, one might focus on the problem of Theaetetus having a fever and thus unreliable perceptions as a metaphor for the nature of human perception in the dialogue Theaetetus . Someone who has a high fever or has consumed alcohol or various other mind-altering substances may perceive things that do not exist or otherwise have unreliable perceptions of the world. However, this can also serve, for Plato, as a metaphor for how human perceptions are...

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unreliable and how knowledge of truth cannot be attained by study of appearances.

Another possibility would be to look at the issue of the synthetic a priori in Kant as a way of examining how the conditions of human perception determine how people perceive external objects. For example, if something existed (in some manner, perhaps not commensurable with traditional concepts of existence) which was not extended in space and time, it might not be possible for humans to perceive it, or humans might mistakenly perceive it as spatio-temporal because that is how human understanding is structured.

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Of course, eNotes cannot write this paper for you, but here are some suggestions for getting started and for organizing the steps to a successful essay:

First, "ways of knowing" is a good translation of this difficult abstract task.  Besides the standard application of the term (the religious, Bible or Koran interpretation of a so-called sacred text, a "set of rules" by which we can "know" how to act for "salvation") there is the "scientific method" -- a set of steps that leads to a logical or provable or applicable method of "knowing." For instance, we "know" that the Earth revolves around its axis and around the sun because "the scientific principles" of observation, etc. support that conclusion. Your essay might examine the pros and cons of more controversial epistemologies, such as "parental dictate and upbringing," or "intuition (gut feeling)," or "astrology," etc. 

In these epistemologies, a personal, individualized "way of knowing" must be argued, and with it the implied assumption that "knowing" is an individual process, not a universal one. There is an interesting rhetorical question asked here "Can you know a thing and be mistaken?"  Philosophers have made a very strong argument for the conclusion that "No, you cannot know a thing and be mistaken!" This area of inquiry should get you well on your way to successfully completing this assignment.

An alternative method:

We start with the simplified definition of epistemology: “the study of ways of knowing.” The term “knowing” itself is a good subject for an essay – knowing as opposed to believing. You essay should begin (after a stylized sentence of engagement) with a clear statement of your thesis (remember that “essay” means “to attempt,” to try). You might acknowledge the common misunderstanding that “the scientific method” is the only legitimate, world-wide path to “knowledge.” Then state the “way of knowing” that your essay will support and defend – “parental guidance,” or “Biblical” (or Koran or Confucius) “truth,” or “Intuition,” or “Cultural Upbringing,” or whatever (these are just some “ways of knowing” available to you – the success of your essay probably depends on your unique choice here, together with your argumentative structure (see our Essay Help). After stating your case, tie your work up as the assignment requires – reference to the four-step methodology, citing scholars, etc. The most difficult part, other than forming the thesis statement, might be finding legitimate counter-arguments.

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