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PHL203Arts Unitsintermediate

Introduction to Epistemology

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of epistemology. It explores the nature of knowledge, its sources, and limitations. Key topics include epistemological theories such as rationalism, empiricism, and constructivism. The course also examines the concept of truth, skepticism, and the relationship between belief, truth, and knowledge. Students will develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of the philosophical foundations of knowledge.

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70h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
EpistemologyKnowledgeTruthSkepticismBelief

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Nature of Epistemology

2

Sources of Knowledge

3

Epistemological Theories

4

Concept of Truth

5

Skepticism

6

Relationship between Belief, Truth, and Knowledge

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

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Philosopher

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Researcher

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Analyst

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Educator

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Policy Advisor

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationResearchConsultingPublic PolicyAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Subject Matter of Epistemology

4h

Unit 1: The Nature of Epistemology

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understanding the definition and scope of epistemology.
  • •Identify the key questions addressed by epistemology.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 2: Epistemology and Related Disciplines

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explore the relationship between epistemology and other disciplines like psychology, metaphysics, and logic.
  • •Identify the overlapping areas of concern.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
2

Module 1: Subject Matter of Epistemology

3h

Unit 3: History of Epistemology

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Trace the historical development of epistemology from ancient to contemporary philosophy.
  • •Identify key figures and their contributions.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
3

Module 1: Subject Matter of Epistemology

3h

Unit 4: Trends in Epistemology

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Explore recent trends in epistemology, including evolutionary, feminist, and social epistemology.
  • •Understand the core concepts of each trend.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
4

Module 1: Subject Matter of Epistemology

2h

Unit 5: Epistemology and Human Existence

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Analyze the importance of epistemology to human existence.
  • •Explore the relationship between knowledge, belief, and action.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
5

Module 2: Meaning and Nature of Knowledge

4h

Unit 1: What is Knowledge?

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understanding the definition of knowledge and its various usages.
  • •Differentiate between 'knowing how', 'knowing by acquaintance', and 'knowing that'.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 2: Conditions of Knowledge

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explore the conditions of knowledge: belief, truth, and justification.
  • •Analyze the role of each condition in defining knowledge.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
6

Module 2: Meaning and Nature of Knowledge

4h

Unit 3: Knowledge Situation

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Examine the elements of a knowledge situation: knower, known, and medium.
  • •Understand the interaction between these elements.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 4: Types and Sources of Knowledge

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Identify and explain the different types and sources of knowledge: empirical, rational, intuitive, revealed, and authoritative.
  • •Understand the limitations of each type.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
7

Module 2: Meaning and Nature of Knowledge

3h

Unit 5: Problems of Knowledge

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Analyze the problems of knowledge related to perception, memory, and abstraction.
  • •Understand the challenges they pose to knowledge acquisition.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
8

Module 3: Basic Epistemological Theories

4h

Unit 1: Rationalism

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understanding the core principles of rationalism.
  • •Explore the role of reason and innate ideas in knowledge acquisition.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 2: Empiricism

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explore the core principles of empiricism.
  • •Analyze the role of sense experience in knowledge acquisition.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
9

Module 3: Basic Epistemological Theories

3h

Unit 3: Constructivism

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Analyze the constructivist approach to knowledge.
  • •Understand the interaction between the mind and experience.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
10

Module 3: Basic Epistemological Theories

2h

Unit 4: Pragmatism

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Explore the pragmatic theory of knowledge.
  • •Understand the role of practical consequences and utility in defining truth.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
11

Module 4: The Notion of Truth

4h

Unit 1: What is Truth?

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Define truth and differentiate it from falsehood.
  • •Explore the criteria for truth.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

Unit 2: Types of Truth

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Identify and explain the different types of truth: absolute, objective, subjective, relative, linguistic, and pragmatic.
  • •Provide examples of each type.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
12

Module 4: The Notion of Truth

3h

Unit 3: Major theories of Truth

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Analyze the major theories of truth: correspondence, coherence, and pragmatic.
  • •Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.
Week
13

Module 4: The Notion of Truth

2h

Unit 4: Belief, Truth and Knowledge

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Explore the relationship between belief, truth, and knowledge.
  • •Understand the justified true belief account of knowledge.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking key epistemological theories (Rationalism, Empiricism, Constructivism) and their proponents.

2

Focus on understanding the distinctions between different types of knowledge (Empirical, Rational, Intuitive).

3

Practice defining and differentiating between various types of truth (Absolute, Objective, Subjective).

4

Prepare arguments for and against skepticism, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of each position.

5

Review the relationship between belief, truth, and justification, and how they contribute to knowledge.

6

Dedicate extra time to understanding the complex concepts in Module 2, particularly Unit 3 (Knowledge Situation).

7

Outline the historical development of epistemology, noting key figures and their contributions from each period.

8

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and identify areas where you need further clarification.

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