SE4422: Ethics of Knowing

School Philosophy
Department Code ENCAP
Module Code SE4422
External Subject Code 100337
Number of Credits 20
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Professor Alessandra Tanesini
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2022/3

Outline Description of Module

This module is concerned with the moral dimension of epistemic activities such as learning, debating, trying to find things out and sharing information. Topics covered include: epistemic injustice and gaslighting; white ignorance; silencing, free speech and academic freedom. 

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the philosophical issues raised by philosophers concerned with ethical issues in epistemology. 
  • Demonstrate a grasp of the issues that are of current concern to philosophers who study the interface of epistemology and ethics and an understanding of how these concerns might apply in other areas of philosophy or political thought. 

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered through a mix of large group and small group sessions, including, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.   

Skills that will be practised and developed

Transferable / Employability Skills

It is worth bearing in mind that, even though the point of the module is to do philosophy, many of the skills you’ll be developing are also highly valued by graduate employers. These include: 

  • Critical Thinking: e.g. the ability to understand, structure and critically evaluate the key points and arguments made in written texts and discussions––achieved through e.g. reading, small group activities in lectures and seminars, plenary discussions in seminars, reflecting on lecture materials, essay and exam preparation and writing. 
  • Communication: the ability to formulate and articulate your critical thinking, both orally and on paper, in ways that others can grasp and engage with––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, seminar discussions, essay/exam writing. 
  • Organisation: the ability to organise and coordinate workloads––achieved through balancing e.g. reading, seminar preparation, essay/exam preparation. 
  • Working with others: e.g. co-constructing ideas, responding sensitively to others––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, group presentations. 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Essay N/A
Exam online – Autumn semester 50 Ethics Of Knowing 4

Syllabus content

  • Epistemic and testimonial injustice, credibility deficit and excess, false confessions, gaslighting, affective injustice
  • Epistemology of ignorance, white ignorance
  • Silencing, oppressive speech, free speech, academic freedom 

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