Module PHIL2211: Epistemology

Department: Philosophy

PHIL2211: Epistemology

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To critically examine theories in epistemology, about the nature of knowledge, understanding, rationality, and related phenomena.

Content

• The specific topics may vary from year to year, but the types of topics covered could include sources of knowledge; testimony and disagreement; conspiracy theories, social media, fake news, and echo chambers; knowledge and paradoxes; practical epistemology: know how, moral and legal epistemology; feminist epistemology; formal epistemology; decision theory.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate both knowledge and critical understanding of: 
• keys ideas of epistemologists and epistemological theories;
• some key approaches to epistemology.

• grasp, analyse, evaluate and deploy subject-specific concepts and arguments;
• locate, understand, assess and utilise pertinent philosophical sources (and, where appropriate, sources from other relevant disciplines, e.g. the social sciences, law, or psychology);
• utilise specialist vocabulary and concepts.

• express themselves clearly and succinctly in writing; 
• comprehend complex ideas, propositions and theories; 
• engage in reasoned argument both in writing and peer to peer discussion. 
• seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information; 
• tackle problems in a clear-sighted and logical fashion.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures deliver basic module-specific information and provide a framework for further study.
• Discussion groups provide opportunities for students to test their own understanding of the material studied, and defend and debate different opinions.
• The formative exercise provides the opportunity for students to test their understanding and knowledge of the module content, and their ability to present and critically evaluate relevant arguments and interpretations, uninhibited by the demands of summative assessment.
• The summative essay tests knowledge and understanding of the course material, and the ability to identify and explain issues covered in the module, and, using relevant research material, to present different approaches to those issues, and make reasoned judgement on the merits and demerits of such approaches.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

There will be an opportunity for formative feedback via a light-touch formative assessment.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University