Epistemology (V7061)
15 credits, Level 5
Autumn teaching
Epistemology is the study of knowledge and how we acquire it.
In this module, you'll address questions including:
- what is knowledge, belief and justification and how are they related?
- how do we aquire knowledge?
- what should we think of sceptical challenge?
- who should we trust in cases of disagreement?
- what should we believe when experts disagree?
- how can we justify taking one side a debate rather than another?
The module will explore how racial bias affects beliefs and how democracy relates to justifying those beliefs, focusing on the practical, moral, and political aspects of knowledge. An emphasis will be placed on critical examination of arguments for and against competing epistemological views. You'll have the opportunity to examine and develop your own positions on these issues.
Teaching
50%: Lecture
50%: Seminar
Assessment
100%: Coursework (Essay)
Contact hours and workload
This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Courses
This module is offered on the following courses: