Erasmus University Rotterdam
The Epistemic Quest for Truth: Introduction to epistemology
Erasmus University Rotterdam

The Epistemic Quest for Truth: Introduction to epistemology

Tim De Mey

Instructor: Tim De Mey

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5

(46 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5

(46 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 6 modules in this course

As far as epistemology or theory of knowledge is concerned, reality outruns the philosophical imagination. The introductory module refers to some pressing, real world epistemological problems, touches on the underlying questions in analytic, normative epistemology, and structures the MOOC.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Ever since Plato, philosophers have wondered what knowledge is. 'Belief' is necessary, but it's not sufficient. 'True belief' is necessary, but insufficient as well, because it doesn't rule out epistemic luck. But as Gettier demonstrated, even 'justified true belief' doesn't rule out all conceivable cases of epistemic luck. So how should we analyze knowledge?

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Is knowledge attainable in the first place? Is knowledge within human reach? Shouldn't we be able to rule out all alternatives to know something? Or does 'enough is enough; it doesn't mean everything' apply? And if so, how does it warrant the possibility of knowledge?

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Is knowledge a pyramid, built on a large, solid foundation? Or rather a raft, with beams of wood that more or less hang together but can get adrift at sea? Or still, is it a crossword puzzle, which is not only solved by interpreting clues, but also by fitting coherently with the other words?

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Some methods to produce beliefs, such as guessing or wishful thinking, are unreliable; more often than not, they produce false beliefs. By contrast, other methods to produce beliefs, such as perception, are reliable; they produce more true beliefs than false ones. In this module, we'll wonder whether being reliable produced in this sense suffices for a belief to be justified.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Knowledge can help to solve problems. But what role can philosophical knowledge, and more specifically epistemological knowledge, play in solving real world problems, like, e.g., truth decay? This final module discusses the heuristic and conceptual functions of epistemology, and the pivotal importance of 'contexts' in that respect.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.7 (17 ratings)
Tim De Mey
Erasmus University Rotterdam
5 Courses25,163 learners

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Recommended if you're interested in Philosophy

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