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	PHE1038 (ITS: TP156)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	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. 1E5AF2FA-53EA-0001-6565-173016003B10
2. comprehend central issues and themes in the history of Western epistemology;
4. 6,7,9,10,11
5. 1
6. 1E5AF2FA-5E74-0001-1880-17C087401310
7. engage in close analysis and interpretation of important philosophical texts;
9. 7,9,10,11
10. 2
11. 1E5AF2FA-693C-0001-56E8-1FA0E5E0FAF0
12. articulate how Western philosophical thought on this issue has evolved;
14. 6,7,9,10,11,21
15. 3
16. 1E5AF2FA-76CC-0001-5CA3-1BD01D1B17DD
17. reflect critically on their own criteria regarding what they themselves believe or know;
19. 7,8,9,10,11,21,22
20. 4
21. 1E5AF2FA-8338-0001-A44A-18158840C870
22. construct arguments in discussion, and present arguments and ideas in written form;
24. 7,8,10
25. 5
26. 1E5AF2FA-9057-0001-8776-1BA022501869
27. demonstrate enhanced analytical and conceptual skills;
29. 7,8,9
30. 6
31. 1E5AF2FA-983C-0001-DFB6-18E0182F5A80
32. synthesize and collate different aspects of the field into a coherent totality.
34. 6,7,10,11
35. 7

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11519	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Fiachra O'Brolchain	Module Teacher

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

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

Introduction
Aims and scope of module explained

Plato
Plato on Knowledge, Belief and Opinion

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None