phi2krb knowledge, reason, and belief
KNOWLEDGE, REASON, AND BELIEF
PHI2KRB
2016
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Think of all the different beliefs you hold about various matters. How many of these, if any, constitute genuine knowledge rather than mere opinion? What does this distinction amount to and why is it important? To what extent do the standards for what counts as knowledge depend on context? Can you know something without knowing that you know it? What makes a belief justified or reasonable? Is it ever reasonable to hold a belief if you have no evidence to support it? Is it ever reasonable to believe something that couldn't possibly be true? These are some of the central questions in epistemology--the philosophical study of the nature, extent, and value, of knowledge and justified belief. In this course we will explore these and related questions using both historical and contemporary sources. Epistemological questions crop up absolutely everywhere--in science, the humanities, politics, religion, and everyday life--and this course will give you the tools to tackle such questions wherever you find them.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorYuri Cath
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Various | Prescribed | Various | Various |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Demonstrate adequate UNDERSTANDING of complex ideas, arguments and debates covered in classes and prescribed texts at an advanced level.
- Activities:
- Class discussions, reading, thinking, essay writing.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Demonstrate adequate ability to critically and systematically ANALYSE complex ideas, arguments and debates covered in classes and prescribed texts at an advanced level.
- Activities:
- Class discussions, reading, thinking, essay writing.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
03. Demonstrate adequate ability to comprehensively COMPARE and EVALUATE complex ideas and arguments in prescribed texts at an advanced level.
- Activities:
- Class discussions, reading, thinking, essay writing.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. Demonstrate adequate ability to clearly, precisely and logically FORMULATE and ORGANIZE ideas and arguments in a written essay at an advanced level
- Activities:
- Class discussions, reading, thinking, essay writing.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
05. Demonstrate adequate ability to COMMUNICATE complex ideas in an oral presentation with a clear and well-signposted STRUCTURE.
- Activities:
- Oral presentation, class discussions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
06. Demonstrate adequate ability to EVALUATE and constructively RESPOND to critical feedback of one's work.
- Activities:
- Oral presentation, class discussions, thinking.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2016, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorYuri Cath
Class requirements
Lecture/SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours lecture/seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation (Due Weeks 3-4) | 10 | 01, 05, 06 | |
| Essay 1 (Due Week 6) | 30 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Essay review assignment (Due Week 9) | 10 | 01, 02, 06 | |
| Essay 2 (Due Week 12) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |