Turtles All the Way Down: Outlines for a Dynamic Theory of Epistemology

Abstract

The most serious problem facing epistemological research is how to establish solid foundations for epistemology within a recursive system of knowing. The aim of this paper is to respond to this problem by presenting some outlines for a dynamic theory of epistemology. This theory suggests that the most basic unshakeable unit of epistemology is a process of differentiation, which is a self-referential activity. This paper elaborates on this thesis and illustrates its relevance to solving the problem of embodiment in Piaget's genetic epistemology. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.