99008 - Philosophical Skepticism (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

Students have an advanced understanding of the relevance of a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of philosophical skepticism. They are able to analyze religious phenomena seen through the lens of multiple tools from several disciplines. They apply research methods to address issues relating to philosophical skepticism. They are able to give form to the results of their own research, documenting in an accurate and complete way the information on which they base their conclusions and giving an account of the methodologies and research tools used.

Course contents

The first part of the course will focus on the nature of scepticism, identifying two notable forms of it, inspired by Descartes and Hume respectively.


The second part will address some of the responses provided in the contemporary debate on scepticism, with particular emphasis on Wittgenstein's position, inspired by a reading of Cardinal Newman's The Grammar of Assent.

Readings/Bibliography

Descartes, R. Metaphysical Meditations. [Any edition is fine]

Hume, D. An Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding. [Any edition is fine]

Newman, J. H. The Grammar of Assent. [Any edition is fine].

Wittgenstein, L. On Certainty, Oxford, Blackwell.

Coliva, A. & Pritchard, D. 2022 Skepticism, London-New York, Routledge.

A selection of papers on contemporary responses to skepticism will be indicated in class.

Teaching methods

In-person lectures.

Assessment methods

For students attending at least 75% of the classes: an essay of 5,000 words on a topic agreed with the Professor.

For students attending less than 75% of classes: besides the essay like for other students, 5 open questionsto reply to in writing.

Office hours

See the website of Annalisa Coliva