Epistemology
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters
- Spring
- Course code
- FIL247
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- Norwegian or English
- Resources
- Schedule
- Reading list
Course description
Objectives and Content
This course provides an introduction to epistemology, the study of knowledge, belief, and justification.
We will begin with classical topics, such as Descartes' method of doubt and Hume's problem of induction, and progress from the fundamental question of what knowledge is and what properties it has to contemporary issues in epistemology.
Key themes include empiricism, rationalism, foundationalism, coherentism, internalism, externalism, and skepticism. Students will engage in critical analysis and discussion of these theories and their implications in various philosophical contexts.
By the end of the course, participants will have developed a nuanced understanding of epistemological concepts and sharpened their critical thinking skills, preparing them for deeper exploration in the field of philosophy. This course is suitable for anyone interested in exploring the nature of knowledge, regardless of prior experience.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
After completing the course, the student should have
- in-depth knowledge of important basic concepts, arguments and positions in one or more research areas in epistemology
Skills:
After completing the course, the student should be able to
- identify, analyze and convey key issues, positions and arguments in one or more research areas in epistemology
- identify strengths and weaknesses at key positions in one or more research areas in epistemology
- understand in outline current contributions in one or more research areas in epistemology
Competence:
After completing the course, the student should be competent to
- further studies in epistemology, e.g. at master's level.
The course can be part of a bachelor's degree with specialization in philosophy. In combination with other subjects and subjects, it can be part of an education that qualifies for teaching philosophy in upper secondary school or high school.
The course can also be suitable as support for in-depth study of basic questions in connection with the study of other subjects.
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and/or seminars.
Supervision of term paper: supervision is a voluntary offer and can occur individually or in groups.
The number of gatherings may be reduced if the number of students attending the course is less than 4. In that case, the students will be compensated with individual or group tutoring.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
An approval of compulsory requirements is valid for three semesters, including the semester in which the approval is given.
Submission of a short assignment at 900-1200 words. The topic is given by the teacher. Deadline is set by the department. The assignment must be approved to be able to take the exam.
Passing grade in end-of-course test.
Forms of Assessment
A semester assignment paper of 3000- 5000 words (not including table of contents, list of references etc.) The topic of the paper must be approved in advance by the teacher of the course. The semester assignment paper will be assessed at the end of the semester.
The compulsory activities have to be formally approved before one can take an exam in the course.
Assessment in a semester without teaching follows the syllabus the previous semester the course had teaching.
Grading Scale
Assessment Semester
Fall/Spring
The compulsory activities have to be formally approved before one can take an exam in the course.