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 photocopied materials.