þekkingargrunn
þekkingargrunn, literally “the foundation of knowledge” in Icelandic, is a term used in epistemology to denote the grounds on which knowledge claims are justified. The concept encompasses the sources, reasons, and methods that support belief, as well as the standards by which justification is evaluated.
Although the term is Icelandic, its use parallels English-language discussions of justification and epistemic grounding. In
Theoretical perspectives on þekkingargrunn include:
- Foundationalism: posits basic beliefs that are themselves justified independently, forming the secure base for all other
- Coherentism: argues that beliefs are justified by their coherence within a system, rather than by foundational
- Reliabilism: contends that justification depends on reliable cognitive processes producing true beliefs.
- Contextualism and skepticism: suggests that justification standards may vary by context and that challenges from skepticism
In Icelandic education and scholarship, the notion often appears in introductory philosophy, epistemology courses, and discussions