This module will provide a critical overview of contemporary theory of knowledge and rational belief. This includes analysis of the following core questions: whether knowledge is possible (sceptical scenarios); what knowledge is and what the problems are in defining it; what the role of justification is in having knowledge and where justification can come from. Finally, we consider new approaches to epistemology, including virtue epistemology, naturalised epistemology, and questions about methodology.

• the ability to describe the recent development of epistemology
• the ability to critically assess the main strengths and weaknesses of the various theories in contemporary epistemology 
• the ability to extract material relevant to a particular problem from a large body of literature
• the ability to evaluate long chains of complex reasoning
• the ability to work independently
• the ability to identify strengths and weaknesses of competing theories.

The course will be taught through weekly lectures and seminars. There will be two formative coursework essays.

• the ability to describe several main theories
• the ability to critically assess the main strengths and weaknesses of these theories 
• the ability to extract material relevant to a particular problem from a body of literature
• the ability to evaluate chains of complex reasoning
• the ability to classify philosophical arguments as valid or invalid, convincing or unconvincing
• the ability to work independently

Students will develop employability skills which include the ability to synthesise information, operating in group-based discussion involving negotiating ideas and producing clear, informed arguments in a professional manner.

The formative assessment for this module will consist of two essays of 1,500 words maximum.

The summative assessment for this module will consist of one essay of 2,000 words maximum, and one examination of 1.5 hours.

This module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the Philosophy Undergraduate Student Handbook. There are otherwise no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

A critical review of central theories in contemporary epistemology dealing with topics such as:

1. Scepticism: Philosophical scepticism & responses, foundationalism and coherentism (Weeks 1-3)
2. Defining knowledge: Justified true belief and Gettier cases, causal theories of knowledge, and inescapability (Weeks 4-5) (Reading Week 6)
3. Internalism vs externalism (Weeks 7-8)
4. New approaches: Naturalised epistemology, virtue epistemology, methodology (Weeks 9-11)

These books are indicative of the subject matter. You are advised not to purchase books until seeing the reading list.

Knowledge, Readings in Contemporary Epistemology, Berneker, S. & Dretske , F. (eds), OUP.

What is This Thing Called Knowledge?  Pritchard, D. (2010), Routledge, New York.

This will be available on Learning Central.