Related questions:
· Identify the hallmarks of knowledge and belief.
· Does knowledge involve belief? Discuss.
· Identify the distinctive features of knowledge and belief.
INTRODUCTION
The concepts of knowledge and belief in Epistemology are very much closely related, such that they are sometimes mistaken for each other. In this write-up, we intend to clarify both concepts and how they relate with one another.
THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH
Aside being an Epistemological definition of philosophy among its consensus definitions, the search for the nature of truth forms a big chunk of the Vocation of Epistemology. In the search for truth, the concepts of knowledge and belief represent individual stages. Thus, we evaluate them accordingly.
WHAT IS “BELIEF”
Belief can simply be defined as, “an idea that is based on assumption or inconclusive evidences”. It implies those signs or elements that encapsulate what is known as a “true belief” –a process in the acquisition of knowledge.
WHAT IS “KNOWLEDGE”
Knowledge like philosophy has no one particular definition, due to its nature and the role it plays in Epistemology. However, knowledge is information which is based on certainty, surety and conclusive evidence. The most accepted definition of knowledge amongst its various postulated definitions, is the one given by Plato as, “knowledge is justified true belief”.
THE HALLMARKS OF KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF
Accordingly, in order to understand the relationship between the concepts of knowledge and belief, their distinguishing characteristics (hallmarks) are therefore evaluated;
i. Knowledge is based on “certainty” (conclusive evidence), while Belief is based on “probability” (inconclusive evidence).
ii. Knowledge deals with “empirical facts”, while, Belief entails “assumptions/hypothesis”.
iii. Knowledge is “infallible” -information that is never failing or wrong, while, Belief is “fallible” idea which is liable to make mistakes.
iv. Knowledge is “indubitable” -information that cannot normally be doubted, while, Belief is “dubitable” -has elements of doubt.
v. Knowledge is “objective” -not influenced by personal feelings or opinions, while, Belief is “relative/subjective” -dependent on, and influenced by personal views.
vi. Knowledge is “public” –known to people in general while, Belief is “private” –confidential and personal idea bearing specific relevance to one.
vii. Knowledge is “immutable” -unchangeable and fixed information, while, Belief is “Mutable” –idea or information that is liable to change.
The above highlighted characteristics represent the major differences between knowledge and belief. Now, goes the question “Does knowledge involve belief”?
KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF: THEIR INVOLVEMENT
Regarding the question of whether knowledge does involve belief, one has to understand the process of attaining practical truth. The discovery of truth about an issue or thing starts with a “speculative idea” –what one thinks or feels should be the case based on some signs and signals. This is “belief” or what Plato calls “true belief”.
Furthermore, in order to validate this belief, one has to verify and critically scrutinize it practically, in order to justify it as factual. Once this belief passes this rigorous assessment and becomes justified as “certain”, it is now then seen as knowledge. This is the reason why Plato defines knowledge as a, “justified true-belief”.
Lastly, it is when this knowledge becomes applied overtime and consistently, that it becomes “truth”.
“BELIEF—KNOWLEDGE—TRUTH”
Understanding this order shows that, it would be absurd for one to say, “...I know, but I do not believe”. However, one can say, “...I believe, but I do not know”.
(YOUR PERSONAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
CONCLUSION
On a conclusive note, the summary of it all is that, “belief precedes knowledge and not knowledge preceding (coming before) belief”. Therefore, belief does not entail knowledge but, it is knowledge that involves or entails belief.
