DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU

Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2023 - 2024

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24No Description
Independent Study101No 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

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • 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,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
Archives: