TALBOTT (5 Credits/W Credit)
Do we know anything?
If so, what do we know and how do we know it? What is knowledge? What sort of justification is necessary for
knowledge? In the sense of justification
in which it is necessary for knowledge, are we justified in believing
anything? If so, what are we justified
in believing and how are we justified in believing it? Can we know or be justified in believing an
answer to any of the previous questions?
If so, on what basis? Do the answers to the previous questions
depend on one's political or other commitments?
In this course, we will consider various
attempts to answer all these questions.
The course aims to familiarize the students with some of the most
important work in contemporary epistemology and to develop their ability to
understand it and to critically evaluate it.
The course will provide students with an opportunity to develop their
ability to explain difficult philosophical readings and issues, to argue for
their own views, and to take seriously the views of those with whom they
disagree.
The course readings will include readings on foundationalism,
coherence theories, pragmatism, virtue epistemology, rationalism, naturalism, internalism, externalism, relativism and non-relativism,
and feminist epistemology. The course
requirements include two papers (5-7 pages each), a Midterm Exam, and a Final
Exam. Students who successfully complete
the course will earn "W" credit for the course. Prerequisites: One previous course
in philosophy or the permission of the instructor. No freshmen. Meets I&S
requirement.
Text: Louis P. Pojman, The
Theory of Knowledge: Classical &
Contemporary Readings (3rd ed.) and a photocopied reader.