EPISTEMOLOGY
Etymologically, the word Epistemology is derived from two Greek words episteme (knowledge) and logos (the science of knowledge). Thus the word ‘Epistemology’ would mean knowledge of knowledge or science of knowledge and is more commonly called a theory of knowledge. This philosophical term is commonly associated with the inquiry of truth and knowledge.
Course code: PHI0009
Professor: Dr. Vinoy Thomas Paikkattu, O.P.Description :
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). We shall also deal extensively with the questions on “Truth”, “Scepticism” and on various schools and themes in Epistemology.
Course Objectives :
By the end of the course the students are enabled to explain some of the central problems of Epistemology and explain how Epistemology relates to other areas of philosophy, tounderstand and apply key epistemic concepts in the critical analysis of epistemological problems and more widely to explain and critically assess some of the central theories and approaches to epistemological problems and understand their implications for wider concerns, and finally to have a historical sense to the development of Epistemological themes and issues in the history of philosophy.