RUSSELL’S CRITICAL THINKING AND SOCIAL APPROACHES OF KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION

Abstract

The traditional concern in epistemic investigation is the attainment of genuine knowledge about reality. Consequently, mainline epistemology has witnessed the emergence of different theories by individuals conducting epistemic affairs as independent investigators on how we can acquire justified true beliefs. However, in recent times, there have been considerable recognition that aided individual endeavours capable of yielding significant results. Nevertheless, this approach is greeted with the uncertainty of the degree to which bias couldbe mere socially attained knowledge. This situation is further compounded by the fact that bias is an unconscious phenomenon that negatively distort people’s judgement and perception irrespective of their intellectual ability. Through critical analysis and comparative method of investigationof philosophers’ stands on knowledge acquisition, this paper argues that bias in social epistemic endeavour could be controlled. The paper recommended the application of Russell’s notion of critical thinking as a possible way to overcome biases in the social approaches of knowledge acquisition.This entails a consciousrational combat to overcome biases.