Johnstun 1 The Philosophy of Knowledge Humans continue to seek answers to fundamental questions: How and why did life originate? What is one’s purpose on earth? How do human beings achieve harmony with the natural world and with each other? Answers lead to other questions especially those regarding knowledge. In Epistemology there are essential questions as well. What is the nature of knowledge? What are the obstacles to the attainment of knowledge? What can be known? How does knowledge differ from opinion or belief? (Academy of Ideas). In seeking knowledge, one must seek a definition of knowledge. In modern society, knowledge has been equated with power. Yet how can one know if it is indeed knowledge that is being presented rather than opinion or a mix of fact and emotion? Morris R. Cohen and Ernest Nagel stated, “The desire for knowledge for its own sake is more widespread than is generally recognized by anti-intellectualists. It has roots in the animal curiosity which shows itself in the cosmological questions of children and the gossip of adults” (Burr, Goldinger 511). There are different philosophical approaches to knowledge. Medieval humanism sought to reconcile reason and the church, believing this to be possible (Fiero 149). During the Enlightenment philosophers continued to ask what role deity plays in science. René Descartes sought intellectual certainty, and in doing so changed the course of modern philosophy (Burr, Goldinger 478). Descartes showed the importance of examining one’s preconceived notions and beliefs as well as putting them aside for the cause of certainty (Burr, Goldinger 483). “And further, as I sometimes think that others are in error respecting matters of which they believe themselves to possess a perfect