Epistemic agents are the entities that know or can learn. They can be humans, animals, or artificial intelligence. The concept of epistemic actions involves actions that help us know more about the world. For instance, looking under a rock to see what’s there is an epistemic action.
Epistemic actions contrast with pragmatic actions, which are about changing the world rather than knowing it. For example, turning a rock over to create a path is a pragmatic action.
Epistemic actions are critical to understanding human cognition. They help us understand why we do certain things, such as why we look before we cross the road or why we ask questions.
Epistemic curiosity is the drive to know more and is a fundamental part of being human. It’s the force behind scientific discovery and learning. It’s what drives us to explore the unknown, to ask questions and seek answers. It’s why we strive to understand the world around us and our place in it.
Epistemic curiosity isn’t just about the acquisition of knowledge, but also about the process of learning. It’s about the thrill of discovery, the joy of understanding, and the satisfaction of finding answers. It’s what makes us human, and what makes us unique.
Go to source article: https://tomstafford.substack.com/p/epistemic-agents