Which terms describe types of knowledge in epistemology?

• A. Knowing that and knowing how
• B. Knowing when and knowing where
• C. Knowing why and knowing what
• D. Knowing whom and knowing which

Answer: (A)

In epistemology, two fundamental ways we talk about knowledge are knowing that and knowing how. Knowing that is propositional knowledge—knowing that a statement is true, as in knowing that water boils at 100°C at standard pressure. This kind of knowledge can be expressed in a sentence and is often tied to justification or evidence.

Knowing how is procedural knowledge—the abilities or skills to perform tasks, like riding a bicycle or playing a piano. It isn’t just about stating a fact; it’s about having a capability that can be demonstrated through action.

The other options focus on questions of where, when, whom, or which, or on why. These describe information someone might have, but they aren’t the standard categories of knowledge studied in epistemology. Knowing why is sometimes discussed as explanatory knowledge, but it’s not usually grouped with knowing that as a basic division.

So the terms that describe fundamental kinds of knowledge are knowing that and knowing how.