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PH2531: THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:36


Course Overview

Have you ever wondered if, like characters in the movie The Matrix, you might be victim of a massive illusion, that the world around you is nothing like it appears? In this course we systematically investigate questions of this type and questions about nature of knowledge and related notions (such as epistemic justification and evidence)​. This investigation will lead to some surprising and potentially disturbing, results.​ This is a foundational course in epistemology (philosophy of knowledge) that provides a critical survey of theses, problems and issues that have discussed in this field in the last 50 years.​ See course guide

Course Details

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

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

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

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Programme Level 2

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

We will start with analysing 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 then discuss problems of a priori knowledge (e.g. mathematical and logical knowledge), and we will conclude with a presentation and appraisal of popular sceptical arguments.


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

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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