Problems of Knowledge

Philosophy 311
Section A - M 6:15pm - 9:05pm
Wister 202

Winter/Spring 2007

catalog description:

A systematic investigation into the sources, limits, and nature of knowledge. Topics include: meaning and its relation to truth of statements; nature and criteria of truth; role of observation; and perspective and conceptualization in the justification of knowledge claims.

course overview:

Welcome to Philosophy 311, "Problems of Knowledge."

Aristotle begins his famous Metaphysics by saying, "All human beings, by nature, desire to know," grounding the entire philosophical enterprise in our wonder at the world around us. Epistemology begins in that same sense of wonder, but now that wonder is directed at itself, at the very beginnings and growth of human knowing.

This course will serve, first of all then, as an introduction to epistemology, a philosophical reflection upon human knowing. We will attempt to understand what epistemology is about, its special concerns, its relationship with other philosophical loci such as ontology and ethics, the nature of truth, and the character of particular epistemological outlooks. We will also be gaining an a bit of an overview of the history of epistemology within the modern period, though with a decided emphasis on epistemology from the past forty years or so. Nevertheless, the selection is diverse, ranging over a variety of schools of thought and issues, including logical positivism, foundationalism, coherentism, feminist epistemology, naturalism, and skepticism.

required texts:

The following text will be required for this course: Linda Martin Alcoff, editor, Epistemology: The Big Questions, Blackwell Publishers 1998. The book is available in the university bookstore.

objectives:

This course is designed to familiarize you with epistemology and the issues that are raised by that particular sub-discipline of philosophy, bringing your understanding of more general philosophical themes to a focus through a concentration upon the problems of human knowing.

Part of the goal here is academic. In particular, the course will challenge you to think critically, to take a second look, and to attempt to uncover hidden assumptions. More generally, you will hone your reading, communication, and writing skills.

Part of the goal is also personal and spiritual. The issues that epistemology raises are important to understanding the relationship between our minds and the world around us. It is through knowing that truth unveils itself to us and it is our responsibility to be rightly receptive to what the world has to tell us about itself. Given the self-transcending nature of knowing, the very possibility of knowledge opens us up to that which is given us - whether the world, ourself, or other persons - pointing then perhaps to an ultimate Giver of all that is given.

expectations:

If this class is going to be interesting and worthwhile, you will have to contribute substantially. This will require your attention to several areas: Attendance: You will need to come to class regularly and on time. I do not have an attendance policy, but failure to attend will affect your grade negatively. Excused absences should be arranged beforehand if possible or discussed with me at your earliest convenience. You are responsible for all missed work.

Participation: Everyone is expected to contribute to the class through active class discussion, raising questions, involvement in any group activities, and completion of all assigned readings and coursework.

Readings: About 30 pages per week of reading will be assigned, depending upon content and difficulty. It is your responsibility to read carefully and to understand the material to the best of your ability prior to the class in which it will be discussed. For a timetable of readings, consult the Schedule of Readings.

Homework: You will be assigned questions on many of the readings in order to focus your reading and so that I can track your reading and understanding. These will be turned in and, though un-graded, will contribute to your final grade.

Essays: You will be completing two significant essays for this class, the shorter one of approximately 5-7 pages and the longer one of approximately 8-10 pages. Descriptions, requirements, and topics for these essays will be found on the website.

Presentations: Each member of the class will be required to give a brief presentation (around 10 minutes) on a reading or section of a reading, explaining the argument and outlook to the class and making some critical comments. The presenter will also be expected to entertain and answer questions. Details and requirements for the presentation are available here.

Office hours: I am available in my office about six hours per week and by appointment. I am always more than happy to talk to you about any aspect of your experience here at La Salle and in connection with this class. I will readily discuss readings, work on topics, go over drafts, and so on. Please make use of this opportunity, as it will benefit us both greatly. All assigned work should be completed on time. Late work will be received at a reduced grade. Nevertheless, it is always better turned in late than never.

Plagiarism is unacceptable. All information and quotations from published sources must be documented. Failure to do so will result in a zero for that assignment.

grading:

The following is a breakdown of how your various grades will be weighed:

Participation
Homework total
Essay One
Essay Two
Presentation

10%
15%
25%
30%
20%