Education Studies 335 - Theory of Knowledge

This is a course on epistemology, the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge. We humans are in the business of believing, knowing, justifying, and rationalizing. Our capacities for acquiring, sharing, and participating in the production of knowledge bear significantly on our flourishing. In this course we will investigate the relationship between core epistemic concepts, including knowledge, belief, justification, and truth. Is knowledge more valuable than mere true belief? Why? What is the nature of epistemic justification? How are evidence, belief, and rationality related? Are there distinctively epistemic wrongs, or injustices? What can these questions tell us about ourselves?

Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy or consent of the instructor. Limited to 25 students. Fall Semester. Assistant Professor Leydon-Hardy.  (T).

How to handle overenrollment: Majors will be given priority, then seniors, juniors, sophomores, first-years.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on written work, readings, independent research, oral presentations, group work, and class participation.