Universität Wien

180016 VO Introduction to Epistemology (2023W)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Moodle

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Details

Language: German

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 13.10. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 20.10. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 27.10. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 03.11. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 10.11. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 17.11. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 24.11. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 01.12. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 15.12. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 12.01. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 19.01. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this lecture, the basic concepts, problems and positions of epistemology are introduced. The overview of the wide range of topics reflects the long tradition of epistemological considerations in the history of philosophy. The lecture is primarily intended as a systematic introduction to epistemology. References to historical persons and positions are made with regard to their systematic importance.

Method of the course: in the lectures, in addition to the primary frontal presentations, there is also the opportunity for questions and discussion. There are also texts that can be read to accompany the lecture.

Assessment and permitted materials

Written exam on the topics covered during the course (closed-book).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Participation in this course is intended to familiarize students with the central themes, basic concepts, problems and positions of epistemology. Students should be able to explain and critically assess them.

Assessment scale for the written exam (100 points in total, 60 points are required for a positive assessment of the course, max. 10 bonus points can be acquired by contributions on Moodle):
1 (very good) 100-91
2 (good) 90-81
3 (satisfactory) 80-71
4 (sufficient) 70-61
5 (insufficient) 60-0

Examination topics

What is and what is epistemology about?; what does 'knowledge' mean?; what can we know?; skepticism; theories and criteria of truth; justification theories; Gettier problem; sources of knowledge; empiricism, rationalism; a priori, a posteriori; externalism; naturalized epistemology; epistemic values and norms; formal epistemology; evolutionary epistemology; social epistemology; disagreements

Reading list

Some recommended literature (not mandatory, and the lecture will not follow any of them directly):

- T. Grundmann, Thomas (2017) Analytische Einführung in die Erkenntnistheorie, 2. überarbeitete Auflage, De Gruyter. Online access via u:search
- G. Schurz (2021) Erkenntnistheorie: Eine Einführung, Metzler. Online access via u:search
- M. Blaauw & D. Pritchard (2005) Epistemology A–Z, De Gruyter. Online access via u:search
- M. Steup & R. Neta, "Epistemology", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/epistemology
- Additional articles and texts will be announced in the lecture and on Moodle

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 04.03.2024 07:46