Date of Award
12-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Dr. Miriam Schleifer McCormick
Abstract
This thesis introduces "Epistemic Spaces and Fields," a novel framework for social epistemology inspired by the analogies of space and fields in physics to better elucidate how epistemic environments shape epistemic practices. Part A establishes the theoretical underpinnings of epistemic spaces and fields, demonstrating how social, cultural , and power dynamics distort individuals' capacities to obtain and communicate knowledge. Part B applies this framework to the digital realm, examining how the Internet and social media reshape our epistemic contexts and introduce new challenges to critical thinking.
Recommended Citation
Cheng, Zizhe, "Epistemic Spaces and Fields: A New Framework for Social Epistemology Applied to the Internet" (2024). Honors Theses. 1791.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1791