Epistemology is the science of Knowledge. It deals with how our mind perceives knowledge. The nature of various hypotheses, concepts, theories which give us the knowledge of a particular field comes under the purview of Epistemology. It checks the validity of our senses, our reasoning and our logic. Epistemology validates the methods used in the study. It enables one to distinguish truth from falsehood. The studies we make about our environment can be useful to us because of Epistemology (Joseph, 2006).
Disasters include the ones caused by nature, such as typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, etc. and those caused by humans such as wars, terrorist attacks. The study of disasters includes the causes and the adverse effects of these, preventing them, being prepared to face them, to mitigate the losses, to recover as quickly as possible from the damages. Any field of study requires Epistemology to check the nature of the study itself. But it is much more relevant in the study of Disasters. Why is it that the demolition of New York Towers completely unexpected? Why, we could not prevent the space shuttle Columbia disaster? Should we study the possibility of bio-terrorism, which if occurs may claim millions of lives (David, 2003)? These are the questions to be answered by Epistemological studies. There are several variables in the study of disaster management. Which of these variables is to be given priority in academic investigation is to be decided by Epistemology. David (2003) also stresses the need for multi-disciplinary study of the disaster management and the interactive study of various academicians.
Naomi (2009) discusses the ethical aspects of disasters. He applies Aristotle virtues to cases of disaster. He studies which of them are most suitable for disaster. He concludes that “integrity and diligence are preferable to glory-seeking bravery and ferocity.”
Works Cited
David A. McEntire, Melissa Marshall. “Epistemological Problems in Emergency Management:
Theoretical Dilemmas and Implications” ASPEP Journal, 2003: 119-129. Print.
Joseph Rowlands. “Epistemology.” Web. 2006. http://objectivism101.com/IOP/Epistemology_Main.html
Naomi Zack. Ethics for Disaster. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009. Print.
