PHIL6058 Scepticism
Module Overview
The question of whether we can really know anything about the world around us is as old as philosophy itself. In this module you will study different forms of philosophical scepticism – Pyrrhonian, Cartesian and contemporary – as well as different ways of responding to the sceptical problem: Some philosophers argue that one needs to refute the position, others that one needs to take a ‘diagnostic’ approach that undermines the philosophical assumptions that give rise to it; others still that one needs to learn to live with a ‘sceptical solution’. You will learn to analyse and assess the relative merits of these approaches, in order to gain a deeper understanding of how great a threat to human knowledge philosophical scepticism poses.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
To explore and critically discuss different forms of, and varieties of responses to, philosophical scepticism from Antiquity to the present day.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- some of the central ways of motivating the radical sceptical problem
- some of the central ways of responding to the radical sceptical problem
- the key assumptions that have radical sceptical implications
- the epistemological implications of the various positions studied in the module
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- undertake independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources
- work effectively to deadlines
- take notes from talks and written materials
- contribute to discussion in a critical but dispassionate way
- express views clearly and concisely
- identify and evaluate the reasons for and against your own views and those of others
Cognitive Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- analyse views and their implications
- identify and evaluate arguments critically and sympathetically
- present and debate ideas in writing, in an open minded and rigorous fashion
- articulate and defend your own views regarding the issues the module concerns
Syllabus
In this module you can expect to explore topics such as: - Pyrrhonian scepticism - Cartesian scepticism - Contemporary forms of scepticism - Ways of ‘living with’ scepticism - Attempts to refute scepticism - Attempts to undermine the cogency of scepticism
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include • Lectures • In-class discussion, exercises and presentations • individual consultation with the module coordinator during office hours or by appointment Learning activities include • Attending lectures • Contributing to class discussion; completing exercises; giving presentations • Doing independent research for and writing assessed essays and exams
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 40 |
| Teaching | 33 |
| Follow-up work | 20 |
| Wider reading or practice | 25 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 30 |
| Tutorial | 2 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
P F Strawson (1959). Individuals.
Ludwig Wittgenstein (1969). On Certainty.
René Descartes (1986). Meditations on First Philosophy.
Barry Stroud Scepticism and the Senses. European Journal of Philosophy. ,17 (4) .
Assessment
Assessment Strategy
For MA students taking this module, expectations will be significantly higher than those for year 3 undergraduate students attending the same lectures, and the assessment criteria will accordingly by stricter. In particular students will be required to demonstrate extremely high levels of detailed and accurate exposition, critical engagement, organisation and presentation, with scholarship that draws on appropriate primary literature.
Formative
Business case or Essay plan
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay (4000 words) | 100% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External