Cognitive Science 0103 - Epistemology

An introduction to the theory of knowledge, its principal questions and theories. What is the basis of knowledge, if any? Might we all be stuck in the Matrix, lacking any real knowledge? How would we know, since if we were stuck in the Matrix our belief that we are stuck in the Matrix would only be the belief that we were stuck in another Matrix within the Matrix, not the real one, since we have no access to that. It becomes vital to know what knowledge is, and how it is related to truth and to belief. Can there be knowledge in the Matrix? What is the justification of knowledge? Does justification involve an endless regress of justifying propositions? What is the structure of knowledge (the so-called "architecture" of knowledge) if there is not to be an infinite regress of justifying propositions? There will be two papers, question sets, a one-hour mid-term and a one-hour final, whose questions will be drawn from the question sets, and two 6 pp. papers.

Mind, Brain, and Information Independent Work Writing and Research In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, and research.