Theory of Knowledge Essay -Discuss how using different methods of justification enables one to reach conclusions in ethics that can be supported just the same as those conclusions provided in mathematics
Discuss how using different methods of justification enables one to reach conclusions in ethics that can be supported just the same as those conclusions provided in mathematics
By: Mariam Jamjoom
Ms. Mahalia
The two Areas of Knowledge (AOK) discussed here are Mathematics and Ethics where reaching conclusions and justification are the linking issues. Defining the key terms is an essential part in order to fully understand the question. According to Oxford Dictionary Ethics is "a set of moral principles, especially ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct" and Mathematics is "the abstract science of number, quantity, and space either as abstract concepts (pure mathematics), or as applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering (applied mathematics)".
Methods of justification also need to be defined to be able to link conclusions found in ethics and mathematics to one another. The four different Ways of Knowing (WOK) which are emotion, reason, sense perception and language can help us understand conclusions made in ethics and mathematics. However, in order to be able to justify those conclusions we need different types of justification methods in order to do so. The four methods of justification, identified by Michael Woolman, are justifying through logic, justifying using empiricism, justifying using memory and justifying with a reference of authority. In a vaguer sense the types of justification are basically either logical, physical or emotional justification. These methods of justification are all interrelated yet different according to the specific situation you are dealing with.