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PHL303Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Theories Of Knowledge

This course exposes students to various epistemological theories, aiming to provide awareness of principles, theories, sources, and problems of knowledge. It covers traditional Western epistemology to contemporary epistemology, tracing its roots from ancient Greek philosophy, particularly Plato, to modern philosophers like Locke, Hume, and Descartes. The course also examines Edmund Gettier's impact and the rise of Virtue Epistemology, addressing fundamental questions about knowledge, belief, justification, and truth.

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208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

EpistemologyKnowledgeTruthJustificationVirtue Epistemology

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

Definition of Epistemology

2

Nature of Epistemology

3

Rationalism

4

Empiricism

5

Skepticism

6

Theories of Truth

7

Postmodernism

8

The Problem of Other Minds

9

Testimony

Total Topics9 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

Written Assessment

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

AcademiaResearch InstitutionsGovernmentConsultingEducation

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction to Epistemology

4h

Unit 1: Definition and Meaning of Epistemology

2 study hours

•Read the unit's introduction to understand the nature and tasks of epistemology.
•Study the etymology of epistemology and its development over the centuries.
•Identify and explain basic issues in epistemology.

Unit 2: Nature of Epistemology

2 study hours

•Examine the themes in epistemology, focusing on questions like 'What is knowledge?'
•Analyze the different types of knowledge: knowledge-of, knowledge-how, and knowledge-that.
•Discuss the various sources of knowledge: perception, reason, revelation, and testimony.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction to Epistemology

4h

Unit 3: Trends in Epistemology

2 study hours

•Examine trends in epistemology from ancient Greece to contemporary times.
•Trace the different epochs in epistemology: traditional, evolutionary, and feminist.
•Identify the roles of philosophers in the development of epistemology.

Unit 4: Types or Branches of Epistemology

2 study hours

•Examine different branches of epistemology: formal, modal, and meta-epistemology.
•Clarify and explain the concepts of formal and modal epistemology.
•Discuss various epistemologists and their philosophies related to these branches.

Week

3

Module 2: Theories of Knowledge in Epistemology

3h

Unit 1: Rationalism

3 study hours

•Explain epistemic theories, focusing on the rationalist approach.
•Discuss the different approaches to ideas of knowledge within rationalism.
•Study Plato's and Descartes' rationalism, understanding their methods and arguments.

Week

4

Module 2: Theories of Knowledge in Epistemology

3h

Unit 2: Empiricism

3 study hours

•Develop a firm grasp of the empiricist tradition of knowledge.
•Explain the main ideas and proponents of empiricism, such as Locke and Hume.
•Discuss the objections that have been leveled against empiricism.

Week

5

Module 2: Theories of Knowledge in Epistemology

3h

Unit 3: Scientific Method of knowing

3 study hours

•Examine the epistemic foundation of the scientific method.
•Discuss the scientific methodology and its reliability in understanding reality.
•Consider the methodological posers raised by philosophers like Karl Popper.

Week

6

Module 2: Theories of Knowledge in Epistemology

3h

Unit 4: Scepticism

3 study hours

•Consider the third theory of knowledge: skepticism.
•Discuss the fallibilistic and cautious approach of skepticism.
•State the core doctrine of skepticism and its limitations.

Week

7

Module 3: Concept of Truth

4h

Unit 1: An Exposition of the Traditional Conceptions of Truth

2 study hours

•Understand the traditional conceptions of truth and their evolution.
•Explain the nature of truth and different perspectives on it.
•Describe a brief historical overview of the development of the concept of truth.

Unit 2: Classical Theories of Truth

2 study hours

•Identify and explain the classical theories of truth: correspondence, coherence, pragmatic, and semantic.
•Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
•Argue that there are different ways of determining if a claim is true.

Week

8

Module 3: Concept of Truth

3h

Unit 3: Postmodernism and Truth

3 study hours

•Explain the post-modern approach to truth, focusing on skepticism and relativism.
•Distinguish between the post-modern and traditional approaches to truth.
•Discuss post-modern philosophers like Lyotard and Rorty on truth.

Week

9

Module 3: Concept of Truth

3h

Unit 4: The Problem of Truth

3 study hours

•Discuss the problematic nature of justifying truth.
•State the relationship between truth and justification.
•Differentiate between skeptical and fallibilist claims to truth.

Week

10

Module 4: Problems of Other Minds

3h

Unit 1: Nature of Mind

3 study hours

•Explain the nature of the mind and the challenges of defining it.
•Discuss theories of mind and their epistemic implications.
•Grapple with the functions and processes of the mind.

Week

11

Module 4: Problems of Other Minds

3h

Unit 2: Functions of the Mind

3 study hours

•Explain the functions of the mind, focusing on reflection, abstraction, and memory knowledge.
•Differentiate between reflection, abstraction, and memory knowledge.
•Understand how these functions contribute to knowledge acquisition.

Week

12

Module 4: Problems of Other Minds

3h

Unit 3: Solipsism

3 study hours

•Understand the origin and challenge of solipsism.
•Identify expressions of solipsism in experience.
•Discuss arguments for and against the existence of other minds.

Week

13

Module 4: Problems of Other Minds

3h

Unit 4: Testimony

3 study hours

•Explain the nature of knowledge transfer through testimony.
•Discuss the conditions necessary for testimony to count as valid knowledge.
•Consider the philosophical and cultural framing of testimony from different perspectives.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key concepts and arguments.

2

Develop concept maps linking different epistemological theories and their relationships.

3

Practice answering essay questions from previous exams to improve critical thinking and writing skills.

4

Form study groups to discuss challenging concepts and share different perspectives.

5

Review all self-assessment exercises and assignments to reinforce understanding of core material.

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