- the way we determine what counts as knowledge, truth, or evidence is shaped by a set of underlying assumptions and rules about how the world works. - it’s how we interpret, engage with, and validate ideas. - it’s how we decide what’s credible, logical, or “true”. - an epistemology provides the *foundation for how we determine what is true*. - thinking happens *within* epistemological contexts. - this is why [[{3.1b1a2} media literacy will not bridge epistemological gaps]]; it assumes shared rules that may not exist.