Epistemic Cognition and Development

<p>Epistemic cognition the philosophical core of metacognition concerns people’s knowledge about the justification and truth of beliefs. Multiple literatures in psychology and education address aspects of epistemic cognition. In the absence of a coherent conceptual framework however these literatures mostly fail to communicate with each other and often connect only loosely to genuine epistemology. This complicates any effort to achieve a systematic theoretical understanding of epistemic cognition and its development. Deanna Kuhn writes in her foreword Moshman is not the first to take on this challenge but he fulfills it elegantly and I think the most comprehensively and astutely.</p><p>After reviewing the basics of philosophical epistemology and cognitive psychology <i>Epistemic Cognition and Development</i> provides a compelling account of developmental change across childhood and beyond in knowledge about knowledge especially with regard to fundamental conceptions of objectivity subjectivity rationality justification and truth. This is followed by detailed consideration of domain-specific epistemologies of science logic morality social convention history and identity including associated forms of reasoning. The final section provides theoretical conclusions educational and social applications and suggestions for further research.</p>