This series has quickly become my favorite set of poems I’ve ever written. There are a few pieces I’m relatively proud of from the last year or two of writing poetry consistently, but this series is one that I think I can safely say is at the top of my list, at least right now. It probably has to do with my love of the subject matter (and the class I’m taking in it). Today, I’m going to look at the Gettier problem, as it has been called. I actually end up conflating his two examples, which may seem confusing to those read-up on the material, but I liked both examples and thought it was fun to include both in the same person. This is also one of the longest poems I’ve written, and I think the longest that I’ve posted here, at least. I hope you guys enjoy it. Perhaps I’ll write up a post about the Gettier problem for next week (Tuesday, most likely). Christ Abide.
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The traditional explanation of knowledge in Epistemology is a ‘justified true belief.’ There are problems there, I think, that restrict us from simply stating “justified true belief” and being done, but it is definitely a good starting point. This Epistemology poem series is interesting enough to write (I can say nothing on how it is to read) that I intend to keep it up for a few more weeks (my plan is between six and eight total), so check back weekly for more philosophical poetry. Christ Abide.
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This last week has been hectic. I’ve done most of my ‘real’ blogging over at Evangelical Outpost, so keep up with that if you’d like to read what I’ve written about. I do have a post in the works (as in, I’m churning it in my mind, before outputting it to WordPress) concerning the Body (and yes, Matt’s book), Deus Ex and why theology matters to everyone. It’ll likely be a kicker. But today, we’ve got another poem in my ongoing (this is two!) series “Studies in Epistemology.” Today, the topic is where many studies begin: what do we claim to know, in every day language?
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Epistemology does not have to start with doubt. In fact, often it begins with a list of things we claim we ‘know’ (in common language), but then moves on to describing the various methods by which we may come to know something; this entire process results in many knowledges broken down, some built back up, and the ever-present issue of doubt scattered throughout. I am currently taking a class in Epistemology for my graduate work, and I thought I would explore the field in a way that philosophers are not known for employing, namely poetry. Since the class will last for the entire semester, and Thursday comes but once a week, I numbered this poem, having many intentions to revisit the subject. The argument I present here is by no means a tight philosophical argument; it falls closer to the line of ‘musing’ than ‘strict argumentation.’ Nonetheless, I hope it is one that you find interesting. Christ Abide. Read more…
I’ve been a bit scarce on this blog as of late, though I hope to change that soon. I know I’ve said that a few times, but getting a grip on this new schedule has left me without a ‘usual’ time for writing my post, which I have always managed to have before, so the transition is a bit more than it has been in the past. I’ll at least keep up the poetry, as I seem to have a set time for getting that ready. I’m taking some heavy philosophy this semester, so if some of these topics seem a bit, well, out-there, that is why. The first few stanzas of this poem are an attempt at conveying some reading I’ve been doing, and what follows is my reaction to the reading. Press on, even if it feels nonsensical, and I hope that by the end you will at least understand my writing a bit more. Christ Abide.
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