Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL3052: Epistemology

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

The module will familiarise you with core concepts in contemporary epistemology, and provide you with an understanding of central theories concerning the nature of knowledge; justification; and epistemic value. Upon completion of the module, you will also have acquired knowledge of the ways in which epistemological concerns relate to and inform wider issues in the discipline of philosophy, such as topics in metaphysics and the philosophy of science.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. Understand and explain the philosophical challenges raised by sceptical arguments; 2. Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge of different theoretical approaches to the nature of knowledge; 3. Articulate your own arguments for and against different theories of knowledge; 4. Explain in an informed way how epistemological problems are connected to issues in other philosophical domains, including metaphysics and the philosophy of science
Discipline-Specific Skills	5. Analyze in a critical way different philosophical texts; 6. Present and discuss, orally and in writing, a variety of philosophical concepts and arguments;
Personal and Key Skills	7. Illustrate and explain difficult ideas in writing and orally; 8. Analyze complex ideas and concepts and reflect upon them critically; 9. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Cartesian scepticism; foundationalism and coherentism; epistemic virtues and epistemic value; social epistemology; a posteriori and a priori knowledge; disagreement.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	22	11 x 2hs weekly seminars
Guided Independent Study	45	Weekly assigned readings
Guided Independent Study	10	Preparation for class discussion
Guided Independent Study	23	Preparation for essay
Guided Independent Study	50	Preparation for final examination

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).