Epistemic Tool

What is epistemic tool? How should it be defined?

The term epistemic tool is intended to refer to objects and artifacts used in the process of knowledge production, such as astrolabes, telescopes, computers, etc. A precise scientonomic definition of the term is of great importance.

In the scientonomic context, this term was first used by Paul Patton in 2019.

Scientonomic History

Acceptance Record

Our records state that this term has never been accepted by any community.

All Theories

The following definitions of the term have been suggested:

Theory	Formulation	Formulated In
Epistemic Tool (Patton-2019)	A physical object or system is an epistemic tool for an epistemic agent iff there is a procedure by which the tool can provide an acceptable source of knowledge for answering some question under the employed method of that agent.	2019

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Accepted Theories

According to our records, no definition of the term has ever been accepted.

Suggested Modifications

Here is a list of modifications concerning this term:

Modification	Community	Date Suggested	Summary	Verdict	Verdict Rationale	Date Assessed
Sciento-2019-0016	Scientonomy	26 December 2019	Accept the definition of epistemic tool, stating that a physical object or system is an epistemic tool for an epistemic agent, when there is a procedure by which the tool can provide an acceptable source of knowledge for answering some question under the employed method of that agent.	Open

Current Definition

There is currently no accepted answer to this question.

Ontology

Existence

There is currently no accepted view concerning the existence of epistemic tools.

Disjointness

No classes are currently accepted as being disjoint with this class.

Subtypes

No classes are currently accepted as subtypes of an epistemic tool.

Supertypes

No classes are currently accepted as supertypes of an epistemic tool.

Associations

No associations of an epistemic tool are currently accepted.

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Dynamics

If a question concerning the dynamics of an epistemic tool is missing, please add it here.