Justification for knowing in a digitalised landscape

Abstract

Epistemic beliefs are described as the way individuals regard the nature of knowledge and knowing. The nature of knowledge can be explored as dimensions describing the certainty and the structure of knowledge, whereas the nature of knowing can be explored as dimensions describing the source of knowledge and the justification for knowing. Recent research suggests justification for knowing as consisting of three strategies for justifying knowing: 1) justification by authority, 2) justification by multiple sources, and 3) personal justification. Knowledge is considered to originate from various sources, where testimony is regarded as the most important. Many online interactions are about conveying information to others and thus, testimonial in nature. The information we receive in various testimonies requires justification using the appropriate justification method. Therefore, source of testimony is central when justifying knowing. In a pilot study among first-year students we explored how the source of testimony and the type of information affect the choice of justification method. The use of justification methods was measured using the Internet-Specific Epistemic Justification Inventory (ISEJ). The results indicate that the source of testimony has a stronger impact than type of information on the choice of justification method.

Keywords

• epistemic beliefs
• justification
• knowledge
• internet
• epistemic injustice
• testimonial injustice