What Can We Know?: Philosophy's Inquiry into Knowledge, from Socratic Ignorance and the Problem of Skepticism Through the Rationalist-Empiricist Debate to Justification and Belief

We live in an age of information abundance, yet distinguishing undeniable truth from a lucky guess or deliberate fake news has never been harder.

A doctor diagnoses a fatal illness. A jury weighs circumstantial evidence. A scientist predicts climate catastrophe. But what transforms their educated guesses into genuine knowledge?

In What Can We Know?, author Alex Omberg demystifies the profound field of epistemology. This is not a dry history of philosophy—it is an urgent, practical guide to intellectual survival in the 21st century. Tracing the evolution of human thought from Socrates's trial to the modern crisis of algorithmic echo chambers, this book equips you with the tools to defend your mind against dogmatism, radical skepticism, and deceit.

Inside this accessible introduction to epistemology, you will discover:

The Foundation of Truth: The critical difference between a justified belief, an opinion, and a dangerous illusion.

The Great Debates: How the intellectual war between rationalists (like Descartes) and empiricists (like Locke and Hume) built the modern scientific method.

The Kantian Revolution: How Immanuel Kant forever changed our understanding of the human mind and reality.

The Gettier Problem: The 3-page paper from 1963 that shattered 2,400 years of philosophical consensus overnight.

Modern Survival Skills: Practical frameworks for evaluating expert testimony, escaping epistemic bubbles, and navigating the era of digital misinformation.

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting expert opinions, or wondered if your perception of reality is flawed, this book is your starting point. It is an essential read for students of the history of philosophy, critical thinkers, and anyone seeking to cultivate true intellectual humility.

Master the philosophy of knowledge and reclaim your mind.