Epistemology

Catalog description

This course introduces students to some of the central themes and topics in epistemology, or theory of knowledge, which is a core area of philosophical inquiry. What distinguishes knowledge from mere belief? Consider the proposition, “It is raining outside.” Under what conditions do I have knowledge of this proposition? Certainly, I know it only if it is true-only if it is actually raining outside-but does that suffice? No, because I might just be making a lucky guess. So, what distinguishes a lucky guess from a true belief that has sufficient warrant or justification to constitute knowledge? In short, this is the guiding question of this course. Major elements of this course include close and critical reading of challenging philosophical texts, reconstruction and evaluation of philosophical arguments, and independent reflection and reasoning on topics and positions of epistemological significance.