A knowledge-based society adds credence to epistemological quests. Not mere mental discharge, epistemology and related philosophical discourse have direct and immediate applications in the modern world. Nonaka's theories and theories related to artificial intelligence show how epistemology interfaces with science. The result is a promising new paradigm that removes epistemology from its cloistered and abstract existence within the walls of pure philosophy. Now, knowledge is commodity: as economically and practically meaningful as tangible goods. Epistemology helps theorists in all fields distinguish between what is valuable, valid truth and what can be discarded in the same pile shared by all outmoded thoughts. Therefore, my epistemological journey has revealed patterns that reflect historical change and changes in human consciousness. Plato's epistemology reflected the social and political realities of ancient Greece; Descartes, Kant, and Hume also postulated within the parameters of the social and cultural realities in which they operated. Today, epistemology means much more: adventures into the heart of human consciousness.

             A logical place to begin an epistemological journey is at the field's formal beginnings with Plato. Making the leap from magical beliefs and superstitions to the realm of reason, Plato and Aristotle essentially created science. Truth was no longer what the priests said it was; the quest for knowledge did not end with belief in a deity. In the quest for finding generalities and universal laws, the ancient Greeks established the ground rules for epistemology: always question reality, always look for patterns, seek causes, and rely on reason and logic when reaching conclusions. Few philosophers can diverge from the basic epistemological formulas used by the Greeks and survive scrutiny.

             Descartes left an indelible legacy: the efficacy of doubt. The next major stepping-stone in my epistemological journey, encounters with Descartes and meditating on his Meditations encouraged me to systematically doubt.