Externalism in epistemology

Externalism in epistemology is the view that the factors making someone’s belief justified can lie outside their awareness or control. Unlike internalism, which requires individuals to have access to all reasons for their beliefs, externalism holds that a belief can be justified if it results from reliable processes or true connections in the environment, even if the person isn’t aware of those reasons. For example, trusting a well-functioning camera to take a clear photo is justified, even if you don’t understand how the camera works. It emphasizes the importance of external conditions in assessing knowledge and justification.