-epistemology-theory,or study of knowledge. What can we know? How do we know? How many of our beliefs can we justify. this is the foundation of philosophy

-knowledge-true, justified beliefs. Truth=meaning maps onto reality (truth is that which corresponds with reality-whether its a statement, a sentence, proposition, etc.)

-There is a difference btwn truth and justification, they're not the same (truth is not equal to how we prove something is true)

-proposition-expressed by statements, sentences, and beliefs. Something which is true or false, it is the meaning behind the statement or belief, not the statement or belief itself.
-Ex: "Snow is white" is true if, and only if snow is white.-Tarski

-philosophy-states the obvious and then asks why it's obvious

-Truth is independent of belief. "Believin it don't make it so"-Mark Twain

-beliefs can change over time as new information and evidence comes in

-Theories of Truth-
1.) Correspondence theory of truth
2.) Coherent theory of truth(pg. 12)
-truths must be part of a truth system which fits together in the right way
-idea that truths depend on the context
of their system
-something can't be true in isolation, only in the context of its system
3.) Pragmatic theory of truth
-view that what is true is what is useful
-useful lies-"Driving a car is not dangerous" or "I have an immortal soul"-these beliefs ,even though false, may serve to give meaning to life or have other positive effects
-useless truth-"How much does this pen weigh"-this statement is something we don't know and don't care about
-theory confuses truth and justification, makes an interesting point about how important it is to have true beliefs