Abstract:

The theme of this paper is about the interconnectedness between epistemology and modernity. It focuses on the following three aspects. First, the scientific revolution in the 17th century constituted an immediate background for the rise of epistemology as the first philosophy in modern times. Second, in contrast with theoretical reflections on human knowledge in ancient times, the modernity of epistemology as first philosophy is highlighted. Third, the epistemological tradition since Descartes and some core ideas of Western culture are in a complex relation of mutual support. The conclusion is that there is a deep and internal relationship between epistemology as first philosophy and modernity.