2011/12 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHIL2422 Topics in Epistemology: Knowledge and Justification
20 creditsClass Size: 150
Module manager: Dr Heather Logue
Email: h.a.logue@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2011/12
Pre-requisite qualifications
40 credits at level 1This module is mutually exclusive with
PHIL2421 | Introduction to Epistemology |
Module replaces
PHIL2421 Introduction to EpistemologyThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
How do you know what time it is? In fact, do you know what time it is? Are you sure? Isn't it possible that you could be deceived? If it's possible that you're being deceived then can you really say that you know? Even if you don't know what time it is, do you have good reason for for believing what you believe? This module will cover a range of issues concerning human knowledge and associated epistemological concepts such as having a good reason for belief ("justificiation").This module is taught through lectures and tutorials throughout semester 1.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to:1. describe and critically assess philosophical claims about the nature of knowledge, justification, and associated epistemic concepts;
2. describe and critically assess various arguments for and against these philosophical claims.
Syllabus
Topics covered may include the following:
1. The case for skepticism, the thesis that we typically know nothing or next to nothing;
2. The analysis of knowledge, or whether there are informative necessary and sufficient conditions for someone's knowing that something is the case;
3. The nature of justificiation: under what conditions do we have the right to be sure about our beliefs? Is this justification "internal" to us, so that we can spot it from the "inside"? In order to be justified in a belief, does that belief have to be based on another belief we're justified in believing?
4. The sources of knowledge and justification: are we justified in believing things on the basis of testimony? On the basis of our memory? On the basis of our senses? On the basis of inductive reasoning? And if so, why?
5. Other related issues concerning knowledge and justification.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Lecture | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
Tutorial | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
Private study hours | 179.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 21.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
Lecture preparation: 79 hours;Tutorial preparation: 50 hours;
Exam preparation: 50 hours.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Assignment | Either a VLE wiki computer exercise OR a 1,500 word essay | 50.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 50.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 25/01/2013
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