One of the most important matters in philosophy is the study of knowledge. There are 3 particularly important questions in its study: what is knowledge? how do we acquire knowledge?; do we have knowledge? This series of lectures is an introduction to the study of knowledge in (analytic) philosophy.
Sessions 1-5 consider the first question: what is knowledge?
They consider the tri-partite or standard analysis of knowledge as justified true belief.
They consider amendments to this analysis due to a debate between fallibilists and infallibilists and due to the philosopher, Edmund Gettier. They consider proposals to block Gettier, too.
Finally, they consider the three principal theories of justification: reliabilism, foundationalism, and coherentism. According to reliabilism, a person’s belief is justified just in case it is reliably connected to the truth. According to foundationalism, a person’s belief is justified just in case it is either a (immediately justified) foundational belief or it stands in an appropriate relation to such beliefs. According to coherentism in the main, a person’s belief is justified just in case it coheres with other beliefs held by him – his background set of beliefs.
Sessions 6-8 consider the second question: how do we acquire knowledge?
They consider in particular the principal responses which have been given to this question: the response of rationalists and the response of empiricists. Rationalists believe that the principal, if not exclusive, means to acquire knowledge is through reason. They include Descartes and Spinoza. Empiricists believe that the principal, if not exclusive, means to acquire knowledge is through experience. They include Locke and Hume.
Sessions 9-10 consider the third (and final) question: do we have knowledge?
They consider scepticism. A sceptic doubts knowledge claims. The sceptic’s challenge is directed at the “justified” part of our analysis of knowledge.
Learning outcomes
- An understanding of the three key issues in the study of knowledge: what is knowledge?; how do we acquire knowledge?; do we have knowledge?
- To begin to engage critically with these issues.
