Active learning ideas
This topic explores the traditional definition of knowledge as 'justified true belief' (JTB). Students examine the criteria that must be met for something to count as knowledge rather than just a lucky guess or a strong opinion. This is a core component of Epistemology in the NCCA framework. It encourages students to be more critical of their own certainties and the information they encounter online.
Activity 01
Groups are given several scenarios (e.g., a horoscope coming true, a scientific discovery). They must apply the three criteria: Is it a belief? Is it true? Is it justified? They then present their verdict on whether it counts as 'knowledge'.
How do we know what we know?
Activity 02
Present a 'Gettier Case' where someone has a justified true belief that is only true by luck. Students discuss in pairs why this feels different from 'real' knowledge and try to suggest a fourth criteria for the checklist.
Is there a difference between believing something and knowing it?
Activity 03
Stations are set up for different sources of knowledge: Senses, Reason, Authority, and Intuition. Students move around, listing one thing they 'know' from that source and one reason that source might be unreliable.
Can we ever be absolutely certain?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
If I believe it strongly enough, it becomes true for me.
Philosophy distinguishes between subjective belief and objective truth. Using 'Perspective-Taking' exercises helps students see that while beliefs are personal, knowledge requires external justification and truth.
Knowledge and facts are exactly the same thing.
A fact is a state of the world; knowledge is a person's relationship to that fact. Peer discussions about 'forgotten facts' help students see that knowledge requires an active mind to hold the belief.
Methods used in this brief
Perception and Illusion
An examination of how our senses inform our understanding of reality. Students debate whether our senses can be trusted or if they frequently deceive us.
8 methodologies
The Limits of Science and Reason
Students explore the boundaries of scientific inquiry and what questions science cannot answer. They consider alternative ways of knowing and understanding the world.
8 methodologies