1. Lauren Ruzinsky
December 11, 2011
Senior Seminar P.6
Question #4:
To what extent do we need evidence to support our beliefs in different
areas of knowledge?
The concept of knowledge is difficult to summarize in one definition. People think that it
is the facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education, however it
is much more than that. The idea of knowledge as a justified true belief is most likely the
simplest description. It can be applied to the different areas of knowledge: mathematics,
the natural sciences, the human sciences, history, the arts, ethics, and religion. When
studying the Belief-knowledge continuum, we find that beliefs for which there is some
evidence are in the middle and those with more certainty are at the top labeled as
knowledge. Therefore, it can be said that we need evidence to a considerable extent to
support our beliefs in the different areas of knowledge.
Evidence plays a very important role in supporting our beliefs in mathematics. It
is one of the most certain areas of knowledge. It can seem as if it were an island of
certainty in a vast ocean of doubt. It is the „science of rigorous proof.‟ For example,
stating that „2 + 2 = 3‟ cannot be supported with emotion or perception because it is
easily proven with evidence and reason that it is wrong. The correct answer is „2 + 2 = 4.‟
It is a universal fact. Mathematics is very useful in a wide variety of subjects ranging
from physics to economics. It provides us with the best sense of reality because we are
able to justify our beliefs with supporting evidence.
In the natural sciences, evidence is important in supporting our beliefs as well. It
may not ever be able to give us complete certainty, as it cannot be proven, but it helps
create a base of knowledge to grow from and build onto with each new discovery.
Inductivism is the traditional picture of the scientific method and is an example of using
evidence to support claims. Through the process of observation, hypothesis, experiment,
law, and theory, one can create an experiment with more controllability, measurability,
and repeatability. When one‟s experimental results confirm their hypothesis, it is called
2. scientific law. Therefore, the natural sciences are able to be supported with evidence and
can justify our beliefs for the most part.
Evidence in religion, on the other hand, does not play as great of a role in
supporting our beliefs. Martin Luther said, “You must abandon your reason, know
nothing of it, annihilate it completely, or you will never enter heaven.” The evidence that
is out there is second-hand knowledge. There are books (i.e. bibles) and stories (i.e. word
of mouth) and while they may be true, it is hard to justify our beliefs with uncertain
evidence. “So perhaps the lack of proof gives us the freedom to decide for ourselves and
the lack of knowledge leaves room for faith,” stated in the Theory of Knowledge
textbook. Thus, religion does not necessarily need evidence to support our beliefs
because of faith and perception.
The different areas of knowing would need a considerable amount of evidence to
support our beliefs, however this does not apply to every area. It can be said that
mathematics and the natural sciences need proof, as they are very important when
pertaining to other subjects. Religion does not need to have as much proof as it pertains
more to our perception and beliefs, regardless of reason. Knowledge is a thick concept
that is hard to define and understand. Whatever each of us choose to believe, it is always
best to try to support our beliefs with evidence and be able to consider and respond to
criticisms of your views.
