Module: Knowledge, Belief, Scepticism: Introduction to Epistemology

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Knowledge, Belief, Scepticism: Introduction to Epistemology
Module Code	TP156 (ITS) / PHE1038 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Fiachra O'Brolchain
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

This module provides an introduction to concepts and themes in the question of knowledge. Based on readings of important Western texts from ancient to modern times, the module examines how different philosophers have approached questions regarding what knowledge is, what its sources are, what and how much we can know, and how we can distinguish knowledge from other forms of opinion or belief. Students will engage with key philosophical concepts, and will develop skills of critical engagement with challenging but accessible texts, skills of discussion of texts and ideas during class, and writing skills through reading responses and essay-writing.

Learning Outcomes

1. comprehend central issues and themes in the history of Western epistemology;
2. engage in close analysis and interpretation of important philosophical texts;
3. articulate how Western philosophical thought on this issue has evolved;
4. reflect critically on their own criteria regarding what they themselves believe or know;
5. construct arguments in discussion, and present arguments and ideas in written form;
6. demonstrate enhanced analytical and conceptual skills;
7. synthesize and collate different aspects of the field into a coherent totality.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	101	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction
Aims and scope of module explained

Plato
Plato on Knowledge, Belief and Opinion

Descartes
Scepticism to its extreme; the impossibility of 'total' scepticism

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

S. Hetherington (ed.): 2013, Metaphysics and Epistemology : A Guided Anthology, Oxford,
E.D. Cooper; E. Sosa; J.N. Mohanty (eds.): 1999, Epistemology: The Classic Readings, Oxford,
J. Greco & E. Sosa (eds.): 1999, Blackwell Guide to Epistemology, Oxford,
K. Brad Wray: 2002, Knowledge and Inquiry: Readings in Epistemology., Broadview,

Other Resources

None