Philosophy of science and truth: epistemological foundations of scientific knowledge

Abstract

Purpose: to analyze the relationship between philosophy of science, epistemology, theories of truth, and major philosophical traditions in shaping the foundations and development of scientific knowledge.

Method: this study employed a qualitative library research approach. Data were collected from primary and secondary literature on philosophy of science, epistemology, theories of truth, and major philosophical traditions, and analyzed using content analysis and descriptive-critical analysis.

Findings: scientific knowledge is fundamentally shaped by philosophical assumptions underlying ontology, epistemology, and axiology. Epistemology plays a central role in knowledge construction and justification, while theories of truth, correspondence, coherence, and pragmatism provide complementary perspectives in defining scientific validity. Furthermore, rationalism, empiricism, positivism, post-positivism, and constructivism collectively influence the development of modern scientific paradigms, indicating that scientific knowledge is dynamic, interpretative, and paradigm-dependent.

Implications: a stronger understanding of philosophical foundations is essential for developing more critical, reflective, and ethically responsible scientific research practices.

Originality: this study offers an integrative framework that connects philosophy of science, epistemology, theories of truth, and major philosophical traditions to explain the construction and validation of scientific knowledge.