Problems of Knowledge
Philosophy 311: Section 21
TR 9:30am-10:45am
Wister 202
Winter/Spring 2012
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 gain a bit of an overview of the history of epistemology, particularly 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:Objectives:
This course is designed to familiarize you with epistemology and the issues raised by that particular sub-discipline of philosophy. Thus it will bring your understanding of more general philosophical themes into focus by concentrating 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 in the event of 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, ourselves, 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:Participation: Everyone is expected to contribute to the class through active class discussion, raising questions, doing any group activities or in-class assignments, taking quizzes, and completing all assigned readings.
Readings: Between approximately 15 and 40 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.
Study Questions: You will receive a study guide containing questions on all of the assigned readings, and you will be responsible to read and be able to answer those questions.
Quizzes: I will be giving you a short essay quiz once a week most weeks, unannounced, using a random question from the study guide concerning the readings for that week. The quiz should take about 5-10 minutes. While you will know what readings you are required to read that week, you will not know which reading or which study question you'll be required to answer for the quiz. This should keep you engaged with the texts and make class discussion more profitable.
These quizzes will take the place of a mid-term exam and a final exam. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped. Quizzes will be graded on the basis of whether or not they convince me you did the reading and how carefully and thoughfully you read. Assessment will take the following form:
|
0 ✓- ✓ ✓+ |
No evidence of reading Evidence of reading, but with little understanding Evidence of reading and understanding Evidence of reading, understanding, and insight |
Final Essay: You will be completing one significant essay for this class, approximately 8-10 pages. A description and requirements for this essay will be found on the website.
Office hours: I am available to discuss any class-related matters with you during by office hours or 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.
Plagiarism is unacceptable. All information and quotations from sources must be documented. Plagiarism on the final essay will result in you failing this class. Please review La Salle's Academic Integrity Policy for further details.
Grading:
The following is a breakdown of how your various grades will be weighed:|
Participation Quizzes Final Essay |
25% 35% 40% |