Erkenntnistheorie

epistemology; theory of knowledge

noun er-KENT-nis-teh-oh-REE Rare

Origin: from Erkenntnis (knowledge) + Theorie (theory)

Usage Note

Erkenntnistheorie is the German term for epistemology — the philosophical study of knowledge, belief, and justification. Encountered in philosophy courses and educated journalism. The adjective erkenntnistheoretisch is the derivative form.

Examples

"Die Erkenntnistheorie fragt, wie wir überhaupt Wissen erlangen können."

Natural Translation

Epistemology asks how we can gain knowledge at all.

Literal Translation

The knowledge-theory asks, how we at-all knowledge gain can.

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