CultureAugust 30, 2026

epistemological

eh-pi-stuh-muh-LA-ji-kuhl

Definition

Relating to the theory of knowledge, specifically concerning the grounds, nature, and limits of what constitutes valid knowledge or truth within a field of study.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'epistēmē' (knowledge) and 'logos' (study/discourse), it entered English in the 19th century to describe the philosophical investigation into how we know what we know.

In the news

The word is used to describe the nature of academic debates in International Relations, specifically regarding the status of the discipline as a credible field of intellectual pursuit.

Interview – Hidemi Suganami

Read the full article ↗

E-International Relations

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