Introduction to Epistemology

🧠 Introduction to Epistemology: The Philosophy of Knowledge

What will you learn?

• Understanding Knowledge Claims: Learn how we can justify our knowledge claims and the foundations of these claims.
• Types of Knowledge: Identify different kinds of knowledge, including acquaintance, ability, and propositional knowledge.
• Western Philosophical Theories: Outline and evaluate the major theories on how knowledge is acquired in the Western philosophical tradition, exploring the debate on innate knowledge and the nature of reality.
• Skepticism: Discuss the skeptical argument that knowledge might be unattainable and understand its implications.

Who is this course for? 🎓

This course is perfect for:

• Beginners in Philosophy who wish to explore epistemology.
• Educators looking for new perspectives on teaching epistemology.
• Individuals preparing for an A level qualification in Philosophy and want a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Course Overview 📚

Epistemology is a cornerstone of philosophical study, delving into how we know what we know. It scrutinizes our epistemic claims and investigates the nature of truth and belief. This course covers:

• The Nature of Knowledge: Explore the concept of knowledge through language (propositional knowledge), and the tripartite theory (justified true belief) with its challenges, such as Gettier cases.
• Empiricism: Study the empiricist approach, including direct realism, indirect realism, and idealism with figures like John Locke, Bishop Berkeley, and David Hume.
• Rationalism: Examine the rationalist tradition from Plato's allegory of the cave and theory of Forms to Descartes' famous 'Cogito, ergo sum' (I think, therefore I am) and his arguments for God's existence.

Course Structure 🖥️

This online course is designed to be engaging and interactive with:

• Narrated Slideshows: Visual learning aids with accompanying images to clarify concepts.
• Transcripts: For those who prefer reading along or need to understand terminology.
• Activities: Throughout the sections to keep you engaged.
• Quizzes: After each section to test your understanding and retention of key topics.
• Discussion Group: A platform for students to share ideas and engage with peers on the material covered.

Additional Learning Resources 📘

Each lecture offers additional resources for those who wish to delve deeper into specific topics. These resources include:

• Further Reading: For in-depth exploration of subject matter.
• Video Content: To provide alternative explanations and viewpoints.
• Interactive Challenges: To reinforce your learning and understanding.

Course Alignment with A Level Philosophy 🏫

The syllabus for this course aligns with the AQA's 7172 A Level Philosophy epistemology module. It draws from various modules of the Philosophy of Mind, Western Religion, and Moral Philosophy courses previously offered by the instructor.

A Note from Dr. Ellie Crouch

"This course is structured to cater to a wide range of students, from those with no prior knowledge of philosophy to those seeking advanced preparation for qualifications like A levels. With a blend of narrative, visual learning aids, and interactive elements, this course aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of epistemology."

Enroll now and embark on an enlightening journey into the heart of philosophical inquiry with "Introduction to Epistemology: The Philosophy of Knowledge." 🚀

[📝 Click here to register!]