Final answer:
Constructivism is the theory of knowledge that posits all forms of knowledge are socially constructed, relying on interaction and consensus within society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theory of Knowledge
The theory of knowledge contending that all forms of knowledge (or at least essential aspects of it) are socially constructed is Constructivism. This theory asserts that what we perceive as reality is the result of human interaction and agreement. It is not necessarily tied to natural or objective reality but is instead a product of social processes and consensus. Unlike Empiricism, which emphasizes sensory experience as the foundation of knowledge, Constructivism implies that our understanding and knowledge are molded by society's shared norms and cultural context.
Epistemology is the field within philosophy that focuses on questions relating to the nature and extent of human knowledge. Constructivism is particularly relevant in discussions of social epistemology, which considers how knowledge is created and justified within societal structures. It challenges traditional epistemology's focus on individual knowledge acquisition, emphasizing the role that social interaction and cultural norms have on shaping an individual's belief system and claims to knowledge.
Famous philosopher Immanuel Kant's work somewhat parallels Constructivism, as he argued that our knowledge of the world is limited by the categories inherent in the human mind. Thus, we can never truly know the universe as it is; our knowledge is always through the lens of human cognition and its inherent structures.