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PH456L: SOCIAL EPISTEMOLOGY (2024-2025)

Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 11:09


Course Overview

This course examines various themes and problems that arise when epistemic agents are situated in a social context. First, we investigate how agents can acquire knowledge through testimonial exchanges with others and especially experts, what rational response agents should adopt in cases of disagreement with other peers. We consider so-called absence-based reasoning on the basis of epistemic coverage provided by news outlets, and we examine whether groups, institutions or organisations are capable of being in states of knowledge themselves, or more generally whether such collectives constitute epistemic agents with a mind of their own. Then we turn to the question of how access to the internet through technological devices on which agents frequently rely can extend or augment their knowledge. Finally, we look at issues to do with epistemic bubbles and echo chambers on social media, trusting the internet, fake news and conspiracy theories. The course will develop further the philosophical skills acquired in previous philosophy courses, and extend the knowledge and deepen the understanding of social epistemology, in particular.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Jesper Kallestrup

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

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either Programme Level 4 or Programme Level 5

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course examines various themes and problems that arise when epistemic agents are situated in a social context. First, we investigate how agents can acquire knowledge through testimonial exchanges with others and especially experts, what rational response agents should adopt in cases of disagreement with other peers. We consider so-called absence-based reasoning on the basis of epistemic coverage provided by news outlets, and we examine whether groups, institutions or organisations are capable of being in states of knowledge themselves, or more generally whether such collectives constitute epistemic agents with a mind of their own. Then we turn to the question of how access to the internet through technological devices on which agents frequently rely can extend or augment their knowledge. Finally, we look at issues to do with epistemic bubbles and echo chambers on social media, trusting the internet, fake news and conspiracy theories. The course will develop further the philosophical skills acquired in previous philosophy courses, and extend the knowledge and deepen the understanding of social epistemology, in particular.


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 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Feedback will be provided via MyAberdeen’s SafeAssign system.

Word Count 3000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire an understanding of the philosophical literature relevant to the topics
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire and demonstrate knowledge of the subject areas
ProceduralCreateLearn to frame arguments and to communicate arguments to a group of peers.
ProceduralEvaluateDevelop critical thinking skills
ReflectionCreateDevelop proficiency in written and oral communication skills.

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 60
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Feedback will be provided via MyAberdeen’s SafeAssign system.

Word Count 3500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire and demonstrate knowledge of the subject areas
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire an understanding of the philosophical literature relevant to the topics
ProceduralCreateLearn to frame arguments and to communicate arguments to a group of peers.
ProceduralEvaluateDevelop critical thinking skills
ReflectionCreateDevelop proficiency in written and oral communication skills.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire an understanding of the philosophical literature relevant to the topics
ProceduralEvaluateDevelop critical thinking skills
ReflectionCreateDevelop proficiency in written and oral communication skills.
ProceduralCreateLearn to frame arguments and to communicate arguments to a group of peers.
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire and demonstrate knowledge of the subject areas

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