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Epistemology, derived from the Greek words "episteme" meaning knowledge and "logos" meaning study, is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature, origin, and limits of knowledge. It seeks to answer fundamental questions about what knowledge is, how it is acquired, and what its scope and validity are. Epistemology explores various theories of knowledge, including empiricism, rationalism, and skepticism. Empiricism posits that knowledge comes from sensory experience, while rationalism asserts that knowledge can be derived from reason alone. Skepticism, on the other hand, questions the possibility of knowledge, suggesting that our beliefs may not correspond to reality.

Key figures in epistemology include Plato, who argued that knowledge is justified true belief, and René Descartes, who introduced the idea of doubt as a method to clear away false beliefs and arrive at certain knowledge. Modern epistemologists continue to debate the nature of knowledge, exploring topics such as the reliability of perception, the role of intuition, and the possibility of objective knowledge.

Epistemology intersects with other philosophical disciplines, including metaphysics, ethics, and logic. It provides a framework for understanding the foundations of knowledge and informs various fields such as science, education, and artificial intelligence. By examining the conditions under which knowledge claims are justified, epistemology helps clarify the standards and criteria for acceptable knowledge.