The University of Adelaide
Course Outlines

PHIL 2033 - Epistemology: Knowledge, Truth and Justification

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

Epistemology is the theory of knowledge, the study of the nature, sources and limitations of knowledge. In studying the nature of knowledge, we will discuss the conditions that a belief must meet to qualify as knowledge. Thus, we will explore what it takes for a certain belief to be justified and the connections between being justified in believing something, being right in believing it and knowing it. In studying the sources of knowledge, we will address the extent to which perception, memory, testimony and reasoning give us knowledge. Finally, while we study the limitations of knowledge, we will consider the challenge known as skepticism. This is the challenge to show that, strictly speaking, we know anything at all. Most of the readings we will use are from contemporary philosophers though, in some cases, we will refer to early modern philosophers such as Descartes or Hume.

Open All
  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PHIL 2033
    Course Epistemology: Knowledge, Truth and Justification
    Coordinating Unit Philosophy
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Prerequisites 12 units Level I Humanities/Social Sciences, including 3 units in Philosophy
    Incompatible PHIL 2026 or PHIL 3026
    Assessment Two 2,500 word (approx.) essays
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jordi Fernandez

    Jordi Fernández
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Familiarity with the main positions on the following issues on epistemology: The nature of knowledge, the sources of knowledge and the limits of knowledge.
     
    2 Develop an understanding of several philosophical theories in the area of epistemology such as externalism and internalism regarding the nature of epistemic justification, and foundationalism and coherentism regarding the structure of knowledge.

    3 Acquire an awareness of the main philosophical positions in contemporary epistemology regarding the issues mentioned under LO2.
     
    4 Acquire the ability to analyse texts from contemporary analytic philosophers working on epistemology and extract the relevant arguments from them.
     
    5 Acquire the ability to evaluate an argument by an analytic philosopher working on epistemology (as valid, or sound).
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    One Reading Book will be available at the Image & Copy Centre at the beginning of the course.
     
    A textbook may also be necessary for this course. Students will be advised through MyUni before the beginning of the course.
     
    Other resources, such as some entries (to be advised by the lecturer in advance of the lectures) on some of the topics at the on-line Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
    Online Learning
    Seminar notes will be made available on MyUni each week shortly before (or shortly after) the lectures. However, these are summaries only, and are not a substitute for attending lectures.

    The actual lectures will not be recorded in this course.  
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course includes a component of lecturing, and a discussion component.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    It is estimated that a total of 12 hours per week, including attendance to weekly sessions, revision, lecture preparation and assessment, will be required.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Some of the topics covered will include: The definition of ‘knowledge’, the structure of knowledge, the nature of knowledge, the sources of knowledge, and the limits of knowledge.
     
    Specific Course Requirements
    Submission of two essays is a course requirement. You are strongly urged to attend the lectures, though attendance is not compulsory. 
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Two essays (summative assessment) and weekly questions posted in MyUni (formative assessment).
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Submission of two essays is a course requirement.
    You are strongly urged to attend the lectures, though attendance is not compulsory.
    Assessment Detail
    TBA
    Submission
    Details on the procedure for submitting assessment pieces and relevant deadlines will be provided in the course program at the beginning of the course.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines

    This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.

  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Top

Home

Information For

Information About

People & Places

The University of Adelaide
Adelaide, South Australia
5005 Australia

Australian University Provider Number PRV12105
CRICOS Provider Number 00123M


Telephone: +61 8 8313 4455

Coordinates: -34.920843, 138.604513

Authorised by:Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:Course Outlines Administrator