84995 - Philosophy of Knowledge (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course you will master the core concepts of epistemology (truth, belief, epistemic justification, evidence); you will have a basic understanding of the problem of scepticism and the analysis of knowledge; and you will be acquainted with som e of the main views which are at the centre of current debates on such topics. Besides, you will have built up an initial ability to do philosophical analysis by devising examples and counterexamples, and a capacity to recognise the structure of the argume nts you meet.

Course contents

You will be introduced to some of the main issues of contemporary epistemology. The focus will be on (i) the analysis of knowledge, (ii) the sceptical paradoxes, and (iii) the transmission of justified belief and knowledge through testimony. These topics will be introduced with an eye to their historical origins and then addressed more thoroughly through the lens of some key contemporary epistemological debates.

Readings/Bibliography

Compulsory reading:

Analysis of knowledge

Plato, Theaetetus (any edition), I-VIII (142a - 153d7); XXXVIII (200c7 - 201b5).

E. Gettier, La credenza vera giustificata è conoscenza?, in A. Coliva et al. (eds), Teorie della conoscenza, Cortina, Milano 2015, pp. 37-40.

R. Nozick, La conoscenza, in A. Coliva et al. (eds), Teorie della conoscenza, Cortina, Milano 2015, pp. 41-58, only pp. 41- 53.

 

Sceptical paradoxes

R. Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy. First Meditation (any edition).

R. Nozick, Spiegazioni filosofiche, il Saggiatore, Milano 1987, pp. 197-201, 230-245.

D. Pritchard, Sensibilità, sicurezza ed epistemologia anti-fortuna, in A. Coliva et al. (eds), Teorie della conoscenza, Cortina, Milano 2015, pp. 77-103.

G. Volpe, Standard epistemici, in N. Marsili et al. (eds), Filosofia della conoscenza, ArchetipoLibri, Bologna 2024, pp. 7-17, only pp. 7-11.

K. DeRose, Come risolvere il problema scettico, in A. Coliva et al. (eds), Teorie della conoscenza, Cortina, Milano 2015, pp. 295-318.

C. Wright, Giustificazione di default (e fondamenti gratis)?, in A. Coliva et al. (eds), Teorie della conoscenza, Cortina, Milano 2015, pp. 343-370 (excerpts).

J. Pryor, Che cosa c'è di sbagliato nell'argomento di Moore?, in A. Coliva et al. (eds), Teorie della conoscenza, Cortina, Milano 2015, pp. 371-401(excerpts).

 

Testimony

T. Burge, Conservazione del contenuto, in N. Marsili et al. (eds), Filosofia della conoscenza, ArchetipoLibri, Bologna 2024, pp. 355-385.

E. Fricker, Contro la credulità, in N. Marsili et al. (eds), Filosofia della conoscenza, ArchetipoLibri, Bologna 2024, pp. 387-417.

J. Lackey, Il tango si balla in due: al di là di riduzionismo e non-riduzionismo nell'epistemologia della testimonianza, in N. Marsili et al. (eds), Filosofia della conoscenza, ArchetipoLibri, Bologna 2024, pp. 439-472.

 

Suggested reading:

C. Calabi e A. Sereni, Introduzione alla Parte Prima, in A. Coliva et al. (eds), Teorie della conoscenza, Cortina, Milano 2015, pp. 15-35.

A. Coliva, Introduzione alla Parte Terza, in A. Coliva et al. (eds), Teorie della conoscenza, Cortina, Milano 2015, pp. 257-274.

N. Marsili, La testimonianza, in N. Marsili et al. (eds), Filosofia della conoscenza, ArchetipoLibri, Bologna 2024, pp. 345-354.

J. Stoffers, Istituzioni di epistemologia sociale, Studium, Roma 2023, pp. 21-73.

 

Students who do not attend lectures:

The compulsory readings are the same. However, students who do not attend lectures are strongly encouraged to complete the suggested readings, as these will help provide additional context and support their learning.

 

N.B.: You can read the English texts instead of the Italian translations listed above.

 

Teaching methods

Three two-hour lectures per week in the fourth term: five devoted to the analysis of knowledge, five to the sceptical paradoxes, and five to the transmission of justified belief and knowledge through testimony.

Attendance to lectures is warmly recommended: it is the best way to become familiar with the background and tools that are necessary to understand the texts and an opportunity to contribute to whole class discussions.

Assessment methods

Oral examination. The viva will assess whether you have achieved the learning outcomes of the course. You will need to show that you are familiar with the main views of human knowledge that have emerged during the history of Western philosophy, especially in the twentieth century, as well as that you have acquired the terminological and conceptual competence required to navigate contemporary debates on (i) the nature of knowledge, (ii) the sceptical paradoxes, and (iii) the acquisition of testimonially justified belief and knowledge, especially the notions of truth, belief, epistemic justification, and testimony.

 

Grade assessment criteria

Grade range below 18 – Fail. Poor knowledge of core material, a significant inability to engage with the discipline. Very poor presentation.

Grade range 18-21 – Pass. Limited and superficial knowledge of the subject, a significant inability to follow the thread of the discussion. Presentation with many inadequacies.

Grade range 21-23 – Adequate. The knowledge is superficial, but the thread of the discussion has been consistently grasped. Presentation with some inadequacies.

Grade range 24-26 – Acceptable. Elementary knowledge of the key principles and concepts. The presentation is occasionally weak.

Grade range 27-29 – Good. Comprehensive knowledge. Good presentation.

30 – Very Good. Detailed knowledge with hints of critical thinking. Very good presentation.

30 cum laude – Outstanding. Excellent knowledge and depth of understanding. Excellent presentation.

 

During the viva you will not be allowed to use any written material, either on paper or in electronic format. The use of AI tools is not permitted.

 

N.B.: If Philosophy of Knowledge (1) is taken as part of 84994 - Knowledge and Language (I.C.), the final assessment will cover the integrated course as a whole and will be based on the achievement of the learning outcomes for both Philosophy of Language (1) and Philosophy of Knowledge (1). However, the two exams will be taken separately, in that order, during the examination sessions scheduled by the instructurs responsible for each course. The final grade will be the average of the two exam grades.  

 

Exam sessions

During the 2026/2027 academic year, examination sessions are scheduled in the following months: May, July, September, October, and December 2027; January and March 2028.

 

Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders have the right to special adjustments according to their condition, following an assessment by the Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. Please do not contact the instructor but get in touch with the Service directly to schedule an appointment. It will be the responsibility of the Service to determine the appropriate adjustments.

For more information, visit the page: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students.

It is recommended that students contact the University office in advance. Any proposed adjustments must be submitted at least 15 days in advance for the instructor’s approval, who will evaluate their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

The teacher will use slides. These will then be made available for download on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Giorgio Volpe