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Epistemology

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 your own arguments for and against different theories of knowledge;
• 4. Explain in an informed way how 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, a variety of philosophical concepts and arguments;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Illustrate and explain difficult 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)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

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

Key words search

Epistemology; knowledge; justification; evidence.