Topics in epistemology

Basic Information

Course 2013/2014
Lecturer
Max Kölbel
Semester
2nd.
Department
Department of Philosophy
University
Universitat de Barcelona
Module
Module 7. Issues in Contemporary Theoretical and Practical Philosophy
Code
570638
Credits
5
Language
English

Dates

Schedule
Tue. 18:00-20:30h
Location
Room 412, Fac. Filosofia, UB.

Description

Topics in Epistemology

This course aims to introduce the participants to a range of central topics of contemporary epistemology. The preliminary plan for the course is to devote two or three sessions to each of the following topics:

1. Scepticism (3 sessions)

2. The Problem of Induction (3 sessions)

3. Testimony (3 sessions)

4. The Structure of Knowledge (2 sessions)

Web page for the course: topicsinepistemology.wordpress.com.

Methodology

The course will be taught in the style of a seminar in which one article-length text (or two shorter texts) will be discussed every week. Each seminar will start with a very short introduction to the topic, followed by general discussion. Students will be expected to be prepared in each session either to defend or oppose the thesis of the assigned text. In particular, they should come prepared for a class debate that will follow the following pattern:

We will divide the participants into two groups, one that will defend, and one that will attack the theses defended in the text(s). Each group will have 10 minutes to construct a case for their position. Then each group presents their case. There will be opportunities for questions and objections and replies. After a break, the groups will re-group to construct an improved case for their position.

Evaluation

The participants will be assessed on the basis of class participation and one 2500-word essay (max.) on a question they may choose from a list of essay questions to be published towards the end of the course.

Bibliography

For example:
Michael Huemer and Robert Audi (eds.), Epistemology: Contemporary Readings, London: Routledge 2002.

Matthias Steup and Ernesto Sosa (eds.), Contemporary Debates in Epistemology, Oxford: Blackwell 2005.