Epistemology ( [ ɪ-ˌpɪstɪ-ˈmɒlədʒi ] ) is the branch of philosophy concerned with the theory of knowledge . Epistemology studies the nature of knowledge , justification , and the rationality of belief . Much of the debate in epistemology centers on four areas : ( 1 ) the philosophical analysis of the nature of knowledge and how it relates to such concepts as truth , belief , and justification , ( 2 ) various problems of skepticism , ( 3 ) the sources and scope of knowledge and justified belief , and ( 4 ) the criteria for knowledge and justification . Epistemology ( from Greek ἐπιστήμη -- episteme - , `` knowledge , science '' + λόγος , `` logos '' ) or theory of knowledge is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope ( limitations ) of knowledge .
Epistemology studies the nature of knowledge and the rationality of belief.