PH148-15 Philosophy for the Real World: Knowledge, Ignorance and Bullshit
Introductory description
PH148 - Philosophy for the Real World: Knowledge, Ignorance and Bullshit
Module aims
The aim of this module is to introduce students to fundamental concepts in epistemology by examining their application to real world (as distinct from imagined) issues and problems.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Harry Frankfurt’s notion of bullshit.
- Relativism, ‘post-truth’ and ‘alternative facts’.
- The manufacturing and spreading of doubt about science.
- Fact checking
- Which experts (if any) should we trust?
- Holocaust denial and Kripke’s dogmatism paradox.
- Charles Mills on ‘white ignorance’.
- The philosophy of conspiracy theories.
- Epistemic vice.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- At the end of this course, students should have (i) acquired an understanding of some fundamental concepts and debates in epistemology; (ii) grasped the possibility and value of applying abstract philosophical concepts to contemporary issues, and (iii) become familiar with the relevant philosophical literature; (iv) developed the capacity to engage effectively with a range of epistemological ideas, themes and arguments in their written work.
Indicative reading list
- Harry Frankfurt, On Bullshit
- David Coady, What to Believe Now: Applying Epistemology to Contemporary Issues.
- Maria Baghramian, Relativism
- Naomi Oreskes & Erik Conway, Merchants of Doubt
- Robert Proctor & Londa Schiebinger (eds.) Agnotology
- Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth
- Quassim Cassam, Vices of the MInd
- Charles Mills, ‘White Ignorance’ in Robert Proctor & Londa Schiebinger (eds.) Agnotology
- Saul Kripke, ‘Two Paradoxes of Knowledge’.
- Quassim Cassam, Conspiracy Theories
- Brian Keeley, Of Conspiracy Theories’, Journal of Philosophy 1999.
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
The ability to understand, analyse and criticise philosophical ideas and arguments. The ability to apply philosophical ideas to real world problems and issues.
Transferable skills
The ability to argue, analyse complex ideas, and write clearly. The ability to grasp complex ideas and arguments, identify their strengths and weaknesses and write about them in a structured manner.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 18 sessions of 1 hour (12%) |
| Seminars | 8 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
| Private study | 124 hours (83%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group A3
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assignment (2500 words) | 80% | Yes (extension) | |
| Written Assignment (1000 words) | 20% | Yes (extension) |
Feedback on assessment
Detailed written feedback will be provided on summative essay, including advice on how to improve written work.
Courses
This module is Core optional for:
- Year 1 of UIPA-V5L8 Undergraduate Philosophy and Global Sustainable Development
- Year 1 of UPHA-VQ72 Undergraduate Philosophy and Literature
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of UPHA-VL78 BA in Philosophy with Psychology
- Year 1 of UHIA-V1V5 Undergraduate History and Philosophy
- Year 1 of UPHA-V700 Undergraduate Philosophy
- Year 1 of UPHA-VQ72 Undergraduate Philosophy and Literature
- Year 1 of UPHA-V7ML Undergraduate Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 1 of UMAA-GV17 Undergraduate Mathematics and Philosophy
This module is Option list C for:
- Year 1 of UMAA-GV17 Undergraduate Mathematics and Philosophy
This module is Option list D for:
- Year 1 of UHIA-V1V5 Undergraduate History and Philosophy