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Epistemologicial prespective and skepticism

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Part A

Explain the epistemological perspective from the text (or outside sources) that most coincides with your view of truth and the way that the human mind grasps reality. Explain why you find it to be the best explanation of the way that the human mind is able to understand its world. Finally, present your views on whether humans can actually know the truth about objects or ideas in the world. If you believe they can, explain why. If you do not think they can, explain why not. Feel free to consult outside academic sources in order to explain more of the details of the theory that you describe here.

Part B

Can a person be skeptical about everything, or are there limits? Is it possible to doubt everything or almost everything? Does a person have an obligation to use ethical and moral reasoning when examining ones beliefs? Are there beliefs you possess that cannot be challenged or shown to be false? How might the skeptic respond to your claim that such a belief cannot be doubted? Identify one such specific belief and present your response to the skeptic. (If you don't have such a belief, explain how one could live while not accepting any claim as true.)

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Solution Summary

This solution explains the epistemological perspective in approaching truth and the manner in which human beings grasp reality.

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(a) Epistemological perspective

- Explain the epistemological perspective from the text (or outside sources) that most coincides with your view of truth and the way that the human mind grasps reality

Epistemology has been defined as a discipline focused with the nature of knowledge (Willams, 200). Psychologists have produced a number of theories designed to explain how the human mind grasps reality. Primarily from the Greek philosophical perspective, a relationship was drawn between human beings and the environment that led to conceptualizations of psychological activity including: (a) sensations, (b) perceptions, (c) thoughts, and (d) emotions (Brennan, 2002 p. 16). In addition, psychological postulations have identified a number of barriers that can impede efforts to arrive at solutions to a problem. For example, research in Social Psychology has implications for working with individuals with addiction and behavioral problems.

- Explain why you find it to be the best explanation of the way that the human mind is able to understand its world

In regards to epistemology, psychological implications offer the most valid information (through research) in removing common barriers to knowledge (e.g., mental distortions). For instance, research on genetics and the environment has produced theories regarding their influence on human personality and behavior. However, the knowledge gained from cognitive research reveals that cognition shapes the way people process and understand information (Bradizza & Stasiewkz, 2009). The Cognitive theory developed in reaction to theoretical postulations on the mind, and that were negatively associated with the field of psychoanalysis. Moreover, cognitive -based research encompassed a category of related theories to study human behaviors, and thus led to the discovery of information on mental behavior. Thus, in my opinion, having an understanding using ...

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