How can one know?

Question

What does it mean to know something?

When I say I know this or I know that what does it really mean.

What does it mean when I say I know something.

What does it actually mean, not theoretically, not philosophically, not analytically or psychologically, but what is actually taking place inwardly and outwardly?

What is happening physically, mentally, emotionally... in the body as it were?

And, what is occurring in the psyche? In the brain? In the head?

What allows the being to say I know this to be true or I know this to be false.

What is happening psychologically, in the mind or brain?

If I say it is mystical or mysterious or a gift from God or something one cannot possibly understand, the conversation is over, I have already concluded, I am lost, the inquiry is over, I am blocked.

If I can honestly, with true humility, say "I really don't know," at that moment the brain becomes completely silent, it looks in order to comprehend and begins to see things as they are.

Answer 1

Socrates knows...

"I am intelligent because I know that I do not know"

The fact is, you can't know anything with absolute certainty. You can only acquire a degree of certitude. For example - It is highly likey as to be almost certain that earth is spherical in shape. It is not the absolute truth, but it is as close as you'll get.

Hurrah for science!

Answer 2

This is precisely what epistemology is all about, or the study of "knowing."

St. Augustine showed that the existence of the thinking subject (i.e. you) is something that cannot be doubted. Even if a man doubt everything or be in error, the very fact of doubting or being deceived implies existence.

Descartes echoed this many years later when he wrote "I think therefore I am."

After this basic fact follows the principles of logic, because are senses are not untrustworthy.

And logic allows us to see order and harmony and truth in the revealed universe. When we see or hear truth, it resonates deep within us.

As to what physically happens in the brain, I honestly do not know, but I don't think that's important. The awareness of objective truth is not meant to be a physical process. All knowledge leads us in some way to God because we are spiritual beings, not just physical.

Pax Vobiscum+

Answer 3

If the inquiry is over, does that change what is true?

That is the difference between man and God. Man may stop seeking but God doesn't stop drawing.

Answer 4

Ok another loaded question so I will just pick one--the first one.

"Knowing" something is when the knowledge of that thing causes biochemical changes in your brain significant enough to where your state of being or seeing, in that particular thing is entirely different than what it was before you knew that thing about that particular thing.

Answer 5

Descartes asked what we can be absolutely sure of, and didn't get any farther than "I exist." When I say "I know," it doesn't mean I know for certain beyond all doubt, but that I'm reasonably sure, enough for me to operate on the assumption that this is true.

Answer 6

God isn't hiding anything from us today. We CAN know with a certainty what Gods plan and purpose IS for us today, so that we can cooperate with Him IN IT. There are MANY things we can KNOW, because God says they are TRUE. We can stand on these truths with all confidence. There are also those who refuse the truth...who love the darkness over the light. Look at a few scriptures where God makes it clear what we can KNOW for a FACT.

Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Romans 3:17 And the way of peace have they not known:

Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Romans 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Romans 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

Romans 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

1 Corinthians 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

As you can see from just a few scriptures, God has MADE KNOWN all that we need to understand how He is working today. It does not matter what is happening in OUR brain...because we are not the issue. God is the initiator and we are the RESPONDERS..never the other way around.

One has to be saved FIRST, in order to be able to understand the things of God. The bible tells us that the natural man understands NOTHING of the things of God as they are spiritually discerned.

First things first. Salvation first....then Understanding progressively as you "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth NOT to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15

www.graceteacher.com

Answer 7

You answered your own question with the last sentence. This is how someone begins to "know."

Answer 8

If you can honestly say that you don't know, you are wiser than many.

Answer 9

I think this should be in other section, I know that

Answer 10

Know what I mean?