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A phenomenological study of epistemic doubt
Abstract
This study is an exploration of the experience of epistemic doubt. Since the pioneering work of Perry (1970) educators have been interested in epistemic beliefs. Perry and a number of other theorists have proposed that individuals pass through a developmental sequence of epistemic growth, moving from dichotomous views of knowledge, to relativistic views, and then to post-relativism in which an evaluation of different viewpoints is considered. Chandler, Boyes, and Ball (1990) proposed that the relativistic thought and "epistemic doubt" that results from this type of thinking influences the transitions that take place in epistemic development. The current study took a broader view of epistemic doubt and considered individuals' experience of doubting any beliefs about truth and knowledge, not just the doubts associated with relativistic thinking. The current study sought to explore epistemic doubt and the steps individuals take to resolve it. The qualitative method of phenomenology was employed to give an in-depth view into the experience of epistemic doubt. Interviews were conducted with a small number of selected undergraduates. After analyzing the textural descriptions and common themes gleaned from participants' interviews, a process model of belief change and experiences related to epistemic doubt that comprised it were proposed. The model included four subcomponents: (1) What triggered doubt, (2) The experience of doubt, (3) Resolution of doubt, and (4) Results of the doubting process. Participants gave a similar picture when describing what triggered epistemic doubt (e.g., exposure to differing views of others), and what the experience of doubt was like (e.g., confusing, anxiety provoking). Participants parted company when resolving doubt and the results that came from the doubting process. One group of participants chose to take control of their beliefs and resolve doubt independently and felt that new and improved beliefs resulted. Another group of participants chose to surrender control of their beliefs to God and reaffirmed former religious beliefs. Reflection and social interaction seemed to play major roles in the process of belief change.
Subject Area
Educational psychology|Philosophy
Recommended Citation
Bendixen, Lisa Dianne, "A phenomenological study of epistemic doubt" (1998). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9902946.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9902946