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  6. PH2531: THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

PH2531: THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

This foundational course in epistemology (or philosophy of knowledge) provides a critical survey of theses, problems and issues currently discussed in the field. We will start with analyzing conceptions of the nature of knowledge and epistemic justification. We will then focus on theories of the architecture of epistemic rationality (i.e. theories about how all justified beliefs link with one another). We will consider advantages and disadvantages of general perspectives from which to do epistemology (e.g. the traditional "armchair" perspective and the novel naturalized perspective). We will conclude with a presentation and appraisal of popular sceptical arguments. 

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Luca Moretti

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Course Aims: 1. To give students an organized and updated overview of problems and issues of theory of knowledge . 2. To increase students abilities to deal with philosophical problems in epistemology. Main Learning Outcomes: A. Knowledge and Understanding of: - Key arguments within epistemology. B. Intellectual skills: be able to: - Articulate in philosophical argument; - Develop clarity and rigour of thought and expression in oral and written form; - Gain understanding of, and offer exposition and criticism of, issues and arguments presented by others; - Use technical philosophical terminology accurately. C. Practical skills: be able to: - Engage in disciplined discussion with others; - Marshall complex information; - Engage in autonomous and self-motivated learning; - Think creatively, self-critically and independently; - Use the library and relevant C&IT software/hardware. D. Transferable skills: be able to: - Identify and understand philosophical issues and arguments; - Articulate and develop arguments; - Engage is respectful participation in group discussion; - Offer critical expositions of positions proposed by others; - Acquire the discipline of learning; - Write well structured, reasoned essays. Content: We will initially focus on the problem of analyzing the intuitive notion of knowledge. We will then move to explore the principal theories of the nature and structure of epistemic justification. Finally, we will survey a number sceptical arguments and possible responses to them. We will attempt to answer - or at least clarify - questions such as: what does it mean to know? Do we actually know anything? Are there different types or forms of knowledge? In what circumstances are our beliefs rational or irrational? What does it mean to have evidence for accepting a proposition? Can science and empirical investigation answer philosophical questions about knowledge? How can we rule out that we live in the Matrix world?

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: One 2500 word essay (50%) plus one two-hour written examination (50%). Resit: One 2500 word essay (100%). In line with School Policy, failure to submit a component piece of assessed work, or submitting a token piece, will result in the withdrawal of the class certificate (students are not eligible for resit).

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

Students will receive written comments on, and marks for, their essays and exams.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

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