PP2IDR1-Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1

Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr George Mason
Email: g.p.mason@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to a core area of philosophy – epistemology (the theory of knowledge), makes them familiar with key stances on the extent and nature of human knowledge (modal theories, reliabilist theories, virtue theories etc.), and requires them to evaluate such stances and find their place on the epistemological map. They will also be introduced to the social aspect of epistemology, by considering what role knowledge plays within a society, how we gain knowledge from others, and how we may be harmed specifically as knowers.

Aims:

This module encourages students to think about the extent and nature of knowledge in a characteristically philosophical way. It builds on earlier modules by putting into practice the skills of philosophical argument taught in Part 1. It informs students about historical and current debates in epistemology. It cultivates skills in oral and written argument. It encourages students to compare and contrast very different ways of approaching fundamental philosophical questions such as ‘What is knowledge?’, ‘What, if anything, can humans know?’, ‘What are the best ways of coming to know?’, ‘Does the meaning of “knowledge” change across contexts?’, and ‘What role does the concept of knowledge play in our society?’  

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will gain awareness of historical and contemporary perspectives on issues in epistemology, learn skills of argument and presentation, and understand in depth the very ideas of epistemology and methodology. Students will continue acquiring and developing their own skills of research and enquiry: they will design their own presentations, undertake research to produce coursework essays, and learn how to critically appraise what they discover. Finally, students will further develop their personal effectiveness and self-awareness: they will learn how to communicate effectively with a range of audiences (in one-to-one, seminars and lectures) using a range of means (speaking, summary-writing, essay-writing, presenting, designing slides), how to reflect on their progress, their strengths and weaknesses, their developing sense of the goals they wish to achieve.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop the skills of understanding and evaluating very different sorts of claims to knowledge. They will develop an awareness of the factors (conceptual, evidential, contextual, social, etc.) which feature in the construction and evaluation of knowledge-claims. They will hone their ability to evaluate claims to the effect that assertions and skills of various kinds constitute knowledge, or are justified to some extent or other.

Outline content:

Topics covered on the module will typically include: philosophical scepticism; the extent of human knowledge and justified belief; the Gettier problem, epistemic value, epistemic virtues, epistemic contextualism, testimony, epistemic injustice.

Global context:

The module will help students evaluate media claims and counter-claims about and on behalf of experts, and about ‘alternative facts’.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught by lectures and seminars. Students are expected to attend 20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars. All students are required to write two essays from a list of questions supplied by the module convenor and to give one seminar presentation. Students are encouraged to be active in all classes, asking questions and trying to answer the questions posed by others. A reading list and sample questions will be given out at the start of the module.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Seminars		10
Guided independent study:		170
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	90
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 x 10% oral presentation, 1 x 30% written assignment, 1 x 60% written assignment

Formative assessment methods:

Students will write a short précis of the topic for discussion for every seminar class in which they are not doing a presentation. Some lectures may involve quizzes.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Written assignment, to be completed in the Summer term

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 20 December 2023