2. According to the Merriam-webster dictionary
knowing is described as the having or
reflecting knowledge, information, or
intelligence.
Wikipedia define Knowledge is an awareness of
facts, a familiarity with individuals and
situations, or a practical skill.
3. METHODS OF KNOWING
The method of knowing is described as the method of fixation of belief.
These are methods of coming up with ideas that forms the basis of human
actions.
TYPES OF METHODS OF KNOWING
1. METHOD OF TENACITY
This method holds for certain belief system, especially the African
traditional or cultural beliefs passed by the elders down from generation
to generation. People do not need to verify them or have reasons for
believing in them.
The validity of such knowing is derived when the belief system has a way
of repeating themselves. People reinforce their belief and avoid actions
that will create doubt. Characteristics of this lies in its strength, simplicity
and directness.
For example, its belief in the Yoruba land that when a child fall from
his/her mothers back, the spouse of the child will die when they get
married
4. 2. METHOD OF AUTHORITY
This is also known as the method of established belief, a near-slavery
or obedience to constituted authority. People that uses this method
regards a given authority as source of knowledge. Followers only
regard and follow orders given to them by their masters or superiors.
The method is rigid.
This method is used to inculcate a particular doctrine. People are
indoctrinated at a tender ages to arrest the passion into total
submission without asking question authority terrify dissenters into
silence.
Members are forced to take oath for pledge of allegiance or secrecy,
initiation to swear to influence and keep their members intact.
Punishments ranging from sanctions to death is used to correct or
settle dissenting opinions.
For example - the military rule, aristocratic rule, occultist
organization, mafia groups, government and the religious
institutions. This method of knowing is more successful than the
method of tenacity
5. 3. THE A PRIORI METHOD
This is also known as the method of intuition; A priori method of knowing
relates to or denote reasoning or knowledge which proceeds from
theoretical deduction rather than from empirical observation or
experience.
A priori statement is true by definition with no need for verification,
validation or experimentation it has a comfortable conclusion with pure
logical reasoning and without any empirical findings
This method is more reasonably intellectual and respectable than the
method of tenacity or method of authority. This method is applicable in
logic and mathematics, valid adages and proverbs
For example A spinster is an unmarried woman , Nigeria is in west Africa.
6. 4. METHOD OF SCIENCE
This is also known as the empirical or experimental method of knowing.
This method is a self correcting method due to advancement and new
experimental outcomes or results, that negates previous results.
It’s not dogmatic but dynamic in nature. This method has an inbuilt check
and balance. It insist on testing, evidence and its verifications. It’s also
objective and public. It supersede other forms of knowing.
For example – the shape of the earth, the state of matters, the solar
system, the constituents of the atom
GENERALIZED VIEW OF MODERN SCIENTIFIC METHODS
I. The awareness of anomaly
II. Identification of the problem
III. The removal of the anomaly
IV. The occurrence of discovery
V. Assimilation of discovery into existing body of knowledge
VI. Conceptual change in the scientific community
7. REFERENCES
Ambimbola I O (2013) Philosophy of science for degree students,
2nd edition, Ilorin Nigeria, Bamitex printing and publishing Ent. Pp
61-67
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/knowings Retrieved on 10th of
December 2023
http://en.m.merriam-webster-dictionary.com/knowing Retrieved
on the 10th of December 2023
