Spring 2004
Theory of Knowledge
Phil 313
James Pryor
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Spring 2004 |
Theory of KnowledgePhil 313 |
Assoc. Prof. James Pryor |
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We will start by considering skeptical arguments that we can't really know whether the world is the way it appears to us. Perhaps things only appear the way they do because we're wired up to computers which are force-feeding us the experiences we have. If so, then all we can really know about are our own private thoughts and experiences.
Considering these skeptical arguments will take us into questions like the following: Does knowledge always have to be based on secure foundations? If you know something, will you always know that you know it? Will you always be able to prove that you know it? Does "knowledge" mean the same in the philosophy classroom as it does in ordinary settings? What are the connections between knowledge and evidence? and so on.
The course meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:30, in Carl Icahn Lab Room 101.
We will also have weekly discussion sections. They're tentatively scheduled for Wednesdays at 3:30, and Thursdays at 3:30. (Get in touch with us ASAP if you can't make either of these times.) We'll announce the meeting rooms soon.
I will assume that you have prior experience writing philosophical papers, reading philosophical texts critically, analyzing and criticizing philosophical arguments, and so on. If you've already taken some courses in the philosophy department, that should be adequate preparation. If you've just "read and thought a lot" about the issues this course covers, that tends not to be adequate preparation. It won't have given you practice and feedback on writing philosophical papers; and it won't have given you experience analyzing arguments in the way we'll be doing in this class.
If you are unsure whether you're prepared to take this course, come speak to me about it. You can also take a look at the handouts on Reading a Philosophy Paper, Writing a Philosophy Paper, and Philosophers' Vocabulary, to see how much of it seems strange to you, and how much familiar.
If you're looking for a more introductory-level philosophy course, this term we're offering:
Phil 203 Introduction to Metaphysics and Epistemology (A. Appiah) T Th 12:30
Feel free to drop in for any reason any time during my office hours. (If I'm already speaking with someone, let me know that you're waiting.) I am happy to talk about paper ideas, continue class discussion, and so on. If you cannot make my office hours, email me. I read my email often, and sometimes even respond to it promptly.
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