Epistemology - What we know and why

The Pattern for Gaining Knowledge

Question -> Evidence -> Interpretation -> Choice -> Belief -> eventually "Truth"

Evidence is a form of Physical/Experiential or Referential information.
Belief is a mental acceptance of information and that it is "true".
Where something is "true" if it is what things are, were, and are going to be. i.e. it corresponds to the reality in which we exist.

Knowledge is an understanding of things as they really are, and as they were, and as they are to come i.e. the reality in which we exist.

Belief can equal knowledge - if the belief/knowledge corresponds to the reality in which we exist.

Aristotle: "Correspondence Theory of Truth"
"To say that what is is not, or that what is not is, is false; but to say that what is is, and what is not is not, is true"(Metaphysics 1011b1)

if you say that it is and it is, or you say that it isn't and it isn't, then that is true.
if you say that it isn't and it is, or you say that it is and it isn't, then that is false

As we look at this method of determining what we believe can see and understand that the "proper" interpretation and choice is central to gaining a proper "belief" that is TRUE.
How then can we interpret and choose correctly to make sure that our beliefs are correct.

Some will say that our interpretation of evidence is based solely upon the "Feelings" that an individual has when seeing the evidence presented to them.
Is this sufficient?
NO.

Should a persons interpretation of evidence be based solely upon the impressions of the individual when they hear/see/experience the evidence?
NO.

If someone asks you to "marry" them... and you feel great about it should you? Don't you think you should consider more than just how you feel at the time?
Shouldn't you know something about the person? i.e. An understanding of their culture, views, ideas on finance, how to raise children, how to discipline children etc.?
What about if he is a felon, convicted child abuser, etc.?

Feelings alone are not enough!

The answer should be based upon more than the feelings of an individual.
#1. We should understand the evidence and compare that evidence to our understanding of existing truth. (i.e. existing scripture, prophets words, conscience etc.)
#2. When prompted by the "Holy Ghost" we should understand and recognize that evidence understand it.
#3. Carefully meditate and confirm that we are making a correct interpretation of evidence - validate thought process, fallacies of logic, etc. D&C 9:7-9
#4. Maintain a certain understanding of the fallibility of man - and the weakness, lack of knowledge we all have...

Then... make your choice and form your belief.

This by definition is a subjective action and thus your belief by definition is "Subjective" in nature. Because of this and an understanding of the falibilities of man mean that we must maintain our understanding that our beliefs should be "Open" and that we should be open to further understanding on things that we currently "Believe". Furthermore, we should understand that other individuals given the same evidence presented to them will have different interpretation and thus a different belief that you do. Is this invalid? NO. The process of belief is the same for everyone. Yet, thus a person can believe in things that are not true.

How then does belief become Knowledge?

Over time - and experience we can come to a knowledge that our belief corresponds to the reality in which we exist.

Meta-Physics of LDS Belief
Intelligence or the light of truth - eternal not created nor made nor can be

D&C 93
29 Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.

30 All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence.

31 Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.

32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation.

33 For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;

34 And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy.

35 The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple.

36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.

37 Light and truth forsake that evil one.

38 Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God.

39 And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.