University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 8

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 2.00pm - 3.00 pm Mon, Tue, Thu

This module aims to provide a comprehensive foundation in both epistemology (the theory of knowledge) and the philosophy of language. It will typically cover the following central questions in epistemology: What is knowledge? What is evidence? Can we trust the evidence of the senses? Can we defeat the sceptic about knowledge? What are the limits of knowledge? What is the nature of belief? When is a belief a good belief? What is the nature of perception? What is the difference between mathematical knowledge and empirical knowledge? Questions covered on the philosophy of language component may include: What is communication? What is linguistic meaning? What is the difference between saying and implying? What is it for an expression to be context-sensitive? What is the nature of metaphor? Topics which span both components of the module include: internalism and externalism.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 lectures and 1 tutorial.

Scheduled learning hours: 43

Guided independent study hours: 157

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% Coursework


Re-assessment: 100% Coursework: 5000 word 7-day Take-Home Assignment

Personnel

Intended learning outcomes

• Critically evaluate the main theories in contemporary epistemology
• Assess competing theories in social epistemology
• Critically evaluate classic texts in philosophy of language
• Show familiarity with issues in contemporary semantics, pragmatics, and theories of conditionals