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Glite Dictionary
epistemic logic

epistemic logic

9.9
A way of using rules to describe what people know, believe, or do not know
  • noun
  • /ɪˈpɪstəˌmɪk ˈlɒdʒɪk/
  • Formal
translation icon : lógica epistémica
  • The study of epistemic logic allows us to better understand the nature of knowledge and belief.

Examples

  • Researchers use epistemic logic to formalize reasoning about what people know or do not know.

  • Who has the expertise we need and use epistemic logic in terms of what is it that we know?

  • In philosophy, epistemic logic is essential for exploring theories of knowledge.

Surface Forms

epistemic logic singular
epistemic logics plural

Morphology

epistemic + logic

The compound combines 'epistemic' (relating to knowledge) with 'logic' (the study/system of valid inference), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to the logic or formal study concerning knowledge. Although the term is technical, its meaning is compositional and follows a common cross-linguistic pattern of adjective + noun naming a domain, making it transparent to learners familiar with the parts.

Etymology

Epistemic logic comes from the Greek word epistemic meaning 'knowledge' and the word logic meaning 'careful thinking'. So it literally means 'logic about knowledge', which is why it studies what people know, what they do not know, and how knowledge can change.