Memory and recall are essential faculties in the acquisition of knowledge as they allow for the retention and retrieval of information over time. In empiricism, memory is the mechanism through which experiences are stored and later accessed, playing a crucial role in learning and reinforcing knowledge gained through experience. Rationalists might argue that memory helps in accessing innate ideas or in using reason to work through previously understood concepts. Furthermore, philosophers like Plato have considered memory as recalling the knowledge of an eternal truth that the soul has forgotten. Modern epistemologists examine memory's reliability and how its fallibility impacts the certainty of knowledge.

In rationalist philosophy, intuition is regarded as an immediate form of knowledge that requires no conscious thought, reflective of an inherent truth that does not arise from inference or deduction. Rationalists consider intuition as a kind of intellectual vision, a direct grasp of the truth of a proposition that does not rely on sensory experience but is instead immediate and self-evident. For example, Descartes' cogito, "I think, therefore I am," is often cited as a case of intuitive knowledge — a clear and distinct perception that is indubitable and known a priori. Intuition, in this sense, is seen as foundational to certain knowledge claims.

In the digital age, the question of knowledge acquisition becomes increasingly complex due to the vast amount of information available and the varying degrees of its reliability. Philosophers may address this by discussing the critical importance of epistemic virtues such as discernment, critical thinking, and the ability to evaluate sources. They analyse how digital literacy, including understanding algorithms and the nature of digital platforms, contributes to the acquisition of knowledge. Additionally, they debate the role of traditional gatekeepers of knowledge — such as academic institutions and publishers — and how their roles are changing. The digital context thus adds layers to traditional epistological discussions, including considerations of media literacy, the democratisation of knowledge, and the potential for echo chambers and misinformation to impact what is accepted as knowledge.

There is no consensus among contemporary philosophers on the primary source of knowledge; the debate between rationalism and empiricism remains vibrant. While some modern theories of knowledge lean towards empiricism, especially in the wake of the scientific revolution and its emphasis on observable phenomena, others incorporate rationalist ideas by acknowledging the role of mental constructs and innate faculties in understanding and interpreting sensory data. Cognitive science, for instance, suggests that knowledge acquisition is a complex interaction between sensory experiences and cognitive processes. The integrationist approaches in epistemology attempt to bridge the gap between these traditional theories, but no single viewpoint has emerged as definitive in the philosophical community.

The concept of tabula rasa, which translates to 'blank slate', is fundamental to empirical theories of knowledge. It was popularised by John Locke and posits that individuals are born without built-in mental content; all knowledge is derived from experie nce and perception. This concept underscores empiricism's core belief that the mind at birth is a blank state, and knowledge is imprinted upon it by the individual's sensory experiences. It's a metaphor for the empirical view that the brain's development is due to formed habits, learned responses, and visual imprints from the external world, negating the presence of innate ideas or predispositions.