1513: Street Epistemology and Mormonism - An Introduction

Street Epistemology and Mormonism: A Method for Examining Belief

When Anthony Magnabosco approaches strangers on hiking trails with a simple question, "Why do you believe what you believe?", he's not trying to convert or ridicule anyone. Instead, he's practicing street epistemology, a conversational technique designed to help people examine their reasons for believing what they believe. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this methodology raises important questions about how we verify religious claims and whether our reasons for belief hold up under friendly scrutiny.

Street epistemology and Mormonism intersect in compelling ways. According to the Mormon Stories Podcast, a detailed exploration of street epistemology interviews conducted in Mormon contexts reveals both the strengths and vulnerabilities of how members articulate their faith, particularly around foundational claims like the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

What Is Street Epistemology?

Street epistemology is a socratic method applied to everyday conversations. Rather than debating doctrine, practitioners ask clarifying questions: What exactly do you believe? Why do you believe it? What would count as evidence against your position? The goal isn't victory in argument but mutual exploration of the reasoning behind conviction.

Anthony Magnabosco developed this approach partly as a reaction against the confrontational style of New Atheist advocates. Where earlier skeptics often mocked religious belief, street epistemology emphasizes civility and genuine curiosity. This shift from antagonism to respectful inquiry represents a meaningful change in how secular perspectives engage with faith communities.