Recall that epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge. In the study of epistemology, philosophers are concerned with the epistemological shift. This is the idea that one has shifted, or changed, the way he or she takes in knowledge.
For example, you read many of your books on screens and e-readers today. This is a change from the past. In fact, there have been university libraries that have opened without any physical books (e-books only). Thanks to the Internet and smartphones, people do not have to memorize information the way they did in decades past. Reflect upon this issue and then respond to the following questions:
Are philosophers correct to be concerned with this shift?
Discuss the pros and cons of the epistemological shift in an essay.
Utilize at least 2 credible sources to support your position presented in the paper. Make sure you cite them appropriately within your paper, and list them in APA format on your Reference page. Your paper should be 3-4 pages in length, not counting the Title page and Reference page. In accordance with APA formatting requirements, your paper should include a Title and Reference page, should be double-spaced, and include a running head and page numbers.
Grading Criteria page numbers.
Grading Criteria
Assignment Criteria Proficient Descriptor Points
Introduction Introduces the meaning of epistemology.
Explains philosophers current concern about the epistemological shift, in that there is a change in how people take in knowledge. /10 pts.
Personal perspective Delineates ones own personal ways of taking in knowledge.
Describes changes in the way one takes in knowledge;
OR
Describes future changes that one anticipates for taking in knowledge. /10 pts.
Discussion of pros and cons Evaluates the epistemological shift, in the present or in the future, indicating whether the shift is good or bad.
Explores the pros and cons with at least 2 credible sources.
Establishes a pro position, supporting that the shift in how people take in knowledge is good.
Establishes a con position, supporting that the shift in how people take in knowledge is bad.
/10 pts.
Conclusion and reflective summary Synthesizes evidence from credible sources and personal experience to support a single perspective.
Summarizes whether or not philosophers are correct to be concerned with an epistemological shift. /10 pts.
Grammar & Mechanics Provides a 3-4 page essay that is double-spaced, and includes a title page, reference page, running head and page numbers. Information sources (a minimum of two) utilized are clearly identified, properly cited and referenced using APA Style.
Sentences are clear, well-articulated, and free from grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. /10 pts.
Total /50 pts
