Undergraduate Course: Ancient Theories of Knowledge (PHIL10168)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Introduction to the main epistemological theories of classical antiquity and Hellenistic period. Starting with Plato's analysis of the problem of knowledge in Theaetetus, we shall go on to consider Aristotle's theories of truth and scientific method and the problem of criterion in the epistemology of Hellenistic period (Stoic, Epicurean and Sceptic). |
| Course description |
In this course, we shall look at some of the most important ancient epistemological theories: the earliest attempts of demarcation between knowledge and belief in the Presocratic theories, the critical discussion of the three definitions of knowledge (as sense perception, true belief, and justified true belief) in Plato¿s Theaetetus. We shall devote a class to Aristotle¿s account of the principles of scientific demonstration, where we¿ll discuss the epistemological import of Aristotle¿s theory of scientific knowledge. In the last part of the course, we shall look at the most interesting epistemological discussions of Hellenistic period: Epicurus¿ version of strong empiricism, Stoic epistemological foundationalism, Academic criticism of the Stoic theories of ¿cognitive impression¿ and Stoic responses. We shall also discuss ancient medical epistemology, particularly the epistemological views of the ancient medical school of Empiricism. We¿ll finish by scrutinising the position and arguments of Pyrrhonean sceptics.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 Philosophy courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 22,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
174 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Assessment. The course is assessed by two essays: midterm (1500 words, 40% of a grade) and final (2000 words, worth 60% of a grade). The essays will be marked within three weeks from the due date. It is essential that your read carefully the feedback you are given; should you have any questions, don't hesitate to come and speak to me.
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Class presentation. All students are encouraged to do a short class presentation on one of the topics (5-10 minutes in the beginning of the class, to start the discussion; there can be from one to three presenters on each topic). This presentation is not marked, but it gives you an opportunity to come to grips with the material and prepare for one of your essays. Also, it is a good way to practice your presentation and discussion leading skills. You are encouraged to come and see me a week before your presentation. |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- To develop further the philosophical skills and to extend as well as to deepen the philosophical knowledge acquired in previous philosophy courses; particularly, history of philosophy.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the core problems and positions in epistemology on the basis of ancient epistemological debates
- Demonstrate knowledge of the main schools of ancient classical and Hellenistic philosophical schools and ideas
- Demonstrate analytical and writing skills, ability to understand and critically assess philosophical theories, and develop arguments in support of own views
- Demonstrate research skills, ability to work with ancient texts and scholarly literature
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Inna Kupreeva
Tel: (0131 6)50 3653
Email: inna.kupreeva@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Ann-Marie Cowe
Tel: (0131 6)50 3961
Email: Annmarie.Cowe@ed.ac.uk |
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