Final answer:
Justification in epistemology falls into two main types: internalism, which relies solely on internal mental processes, and externalism, which includes external factors. Coherentism and Foundationalism concern the structure of belief systems; the former emphasizes coherence among beliefs, while the latter focuses on basic beliefs that provide grounds for others.
Step-by-step explanation:
Internal and External Theories of Justification
Theories of justification in epistemology can be categorized into two main types: internal and external. Internalism posits that justification is determined only by factors present within a person's mind. For example, a person's beliefs and the mental process they use to form those beliefs are considered internal factors.
This focus on internal factors aligns with the idea that we are justified in our beliefs if we have used sound logic or reasoning that is accessible to us internally – for instance, a mathematical derivation conducted correctly.
Externalism, on the other hand, suggests that the justification of beliefs can depend on factors outside an individual's mental processes, such as the reliability of external tools or sources. Even if one doesn't understand the internal workings of a calculator, the external fact of the calculator's general reliability can still provide justification for a belief derived from its use.
Similarities and Differences between Coherentism and Foundationalism
Coherentism and Foundationalism are two theories focused on the structure of a system of beliefs - how they are interconnected and support each other leading to justified beliefs. Coherentism asserts that a belief is justified if it coheres with other beliefs in a mutually supportive network, even though, as in the 'isolation objection', this network may not necessarily guarantee true connection to reality.
Foundationalism conversely holds that there must be certain basic beliefs that do not require justification from other beliefs, and from which other beliefs can derive justification. These 'basic beliefs' are seen as the foundation of the belief system.
Thus, while both theories deal with the structure of belief systems, their approach to the sources and connections of beliefs differ significantly. Coherentism emphasizes the coherence within a web of beliefs, whereas Foundationalism focuses on the existence of foundational beliefs that uphold the entire structure of knowledge.