epistemologically

Epistemologically is an adverb that pertains to epistemology, the branch of philosophy that investigates knowledge: its sources, justification, structure, and limits. The form is built from the adjective epistemological, which in turn derives from epistemology, whose root is the Greek epistēmē meaning knowledge and logia meaning study. The word is used to indicate that a claim is being considered with reference to its knowledge basis rather than solely to its asserted truth.

In scholarly writing, epistemologically signals focus on the theory or method by which knowledge is obtained—perception, reasoning, memory, testimony, or inference—and on how different knowledge-supporting factors might affect justification. It is common in philosophy and related fields but is rarer in everyday language; speakers often substitute phrases like in terms of knowledge or from a knowledge-theoretic standpoint.

Relation to other terms: epistemologically is distinct from epistemological (the adjective describing knowledge-related aspects) and epistemic (relating to knowledge or belief). While epistemological addresses the nature of knowledge, epistemically can describe the status or evidence of a claim. See also epistemology, justification, skepticism.