Module: Knowledge, Belief, Scepticism: Introduction to Epistemology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Knowledge, Belief, Scepticism: Introduction to Epistemology
Module Code	PHE1036 (ITS: TP136)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11515	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Fiachra O'Brolchain	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	n/a	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	n/a	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None