Module description
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. What is knowledge? Can we have it? If so, how much and under what conditions? What are the appropriate methods for obtaining it? Those are classic questions of the discipline, and will be our focus in the first half of the course. Epistemology has come to encompass a wide array of other questions concerning rationality and belief, some of which we will consider in the second half of the course. First, there's a gentle introduction to the degree of belief paradigm that is prominent in formal epistemology. Second, we look at some epistemological problems that emerge in the social setting. Third, we consider some questions at the intersection of epistemology and ethics.
Assessment details
Summative: 1 x 2-hour examination (100%)
Formative assessment: 1 x 1,500-word essay.
Educational aims & objectives
The module aims to promote advanced critical perspectives on issues in epistemology including classic questions regarding the nature, extent, and conditions of knowledge, and questions central to emerging areas of inquiry such as social epistemology and issues at the intersection of ethics and epistemology.
Topics include the goals of enquiry; the relation of knowledge to true belief; the value of knowledge; foundationalist and coherentist theories of epistemic justification; internalist and externalist approaches to the theory of justification with their motivations, strengths and weaknesses; problems of perception, testimony, memory and a priori justification, and the nature of philosophical scepticism.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, the students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 4 module, and in particular will be able to demonstrate an advanced ability to:
- analyse texts and arguments;
- summarize and present arguments;
- research, plan and present essays to specified deadlines
Teaching pattern
One two-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar over ten weeks.