Epistemology [2480]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: baccalaureate level or equivalent; proficiency in French
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: French
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

The aim of this course is to provide students with a systematic and comprehensive introduction to some of the key themes in Epistemology (the theory of knowledge). Now, Epistemology is a big subject, and in an introductory course in Epistemology, one cannot provide all-encompassing information about the subject, but rather selective. The course gives a good introduction, then moves to the analysis of “knowledge” in general, with an introduction of historical elements in the development of Epistemology (begins with Gnoseology and the Epistemology). Though, the presentation of the course is systematic, it is not scientific as a scholarly work, merely because it is a compilation of lecture notes from various sources used in the teaching expertise of the author. A very good Bibliography is provided at the end, which can be used for further reading and further research in Epistemology. 

Learning Outcomes

This course enables you to:

• Understand the central problems and key concepts of epistemology.
• Discover the main theories and approaches in epistemology.
• Explain the relationship between epistemology and other areas of philosophy, as well as its broader implications.
• Trace the historical development of major epistemological themes and issues.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Examine the foundations, sources and validity of knowledge through logic, language and the philosophy of science.

Course Outline

Completion requirements 

Section 1: Definition, nature and scope of epistemology

Section 2: Knowledge

Section 3: History of epistemology

Section 4: Truth, certainty and scepticism

Section 5: An examination of scepticism

Section 6: Different schools of epistemology

Section 7: Important concepts in epistemology

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade,
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises)
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants. 

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone with a general level of education equivalent to the baccalaureate, or with personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written French is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Robert Edward Brennan, Thomistic Epistemology: A Philosophical Psychology, New York, The Macmillan Company, 1946.
• Sandhya Basu, Justification: Concepts and Theories, Kolkata, Progressive Publishers, 2003.
• Roderick Chisholm, Theory of Knowledge, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Prentice-Hall, 1977.
• J. Dancy, An Introduction to Contemporary Epistemology, Oxford, Blackwell, 1985.
• Jonathan Dancy and Ernest Sosa (eds.), A Companion to Epistemology, Oxford, Blackwell, 1992.