Epistemology
Module title | Epistemology |
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Module code | PHL2052 |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Dr Tom Roberts (Convenor) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
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Module description
This module introduces you to some of the most important topics in epistemology, which is the philosophical study of knowledge. The starting point for the module is the philosophical problem of scepticism: the challenge of showing how we can come to have knowledge of the world outside our minds. We will investigate and evaluate popular responses to scepticism, including foundationalist and coherentist theories, and then focus on individual ways of achieving knowledge, such as perception, testimony, and a priori reasoning.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module will familiarise you with core concepts in contemporary epistemology, and provide you with an understanding of central theories concerning the nature of knowledge; justification; and epistemic value. Upon completion of the module, you will also have acquired knowledge of the ways in which epistemological concerns relate to and inform wider issues in the discipline of philosophy, such as topics in metaphysics and the philosophy of science.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Understand and explain the philosophical challenges raised by sceptical arguments;
- 2. Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge of different theoretical approaches to the nature of knowledge;
- 3. Articulate standard arguments for and against different theories of knowledge;
- 4. Identify some of the ways in which epistemological problems are connected to issues in other philosophical domains, including metaphysics and the philosophy of science.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Analyze in a critical way different philosophical texts;
- 6. Present and discuss, orally and in writing, key philosophical concepts and arguments;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Illustrate and explain philosophical ideas in writing and orally;
- 8. Analyze complex ideas and concepts and reflect upon them critically;
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
Cartesian scepticism; foundationalism and coherentism; epistemic virtues and epistemic value; social epistemology; a posteriori and a priori knowledge; disagreement.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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22 | 128 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 22 | 11 x 2hs weekly seminars or 11 x 1 hour lectures and 11 x 1 hour tutorials |
Guided Independent study | 45 | Weekly assigned readings |
Guided Independent Study | 10 | Preparation for class discussion |
Guided Independent Study | 23 | Preparation for essay |
Guided Independent Study | 50 | Preparation for final examination |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Detailed Essay Plan | 600 words | 1-8 | Verbal & Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Essay 1 | 50 | 1500 | 1-8 | written |
Essay 2 | 50 | 1500 | 1-8 | written |
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Essay | Essay (1500 words) | 1-8 | August\September reassessment period |
Essay | Essay (1500 words) | 1-9 | August\September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic texts:
Pritchard, D. What is this thing called knowledge? Routledge, 2006.
Descartes, R. Meditations on first philosophy. Cambridge University Press, 1996/1647
Greco, J. ‘Virtues and vices of virtue epistemology’, Canadian Journal of Philosophy, 23:413-432, 1993
Sosa, E. ‘The raft and the pyramid: coherence versus foundations in the theory of knowledge’, Midwest Studies in Philosophy, 5(1):3-16, 1980
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
Module pre-requisites | None |
Module co-requisites | None |
NQF level (module) | 5 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Last revision date | 02/03/2022 |