PHIL 4: Knowledge – In Person

This course presents an introduction to some of life's deepest questions: What are the sources of human knowledge? What, if anything, can we know with certainty? Are there any facts or features of the world that are forever beyond our ability to know? How can we justify claims to know things that are beyond our powers of direct observation, such as scientific laws? How does our conscious mental life relate to processes in our brains, and what purpose does it serve?

Although we will make a deep dive into these and other questions, this course is introductory. Everything you will need to understand the course material will be presented in the course as we go along.

1. Identify and evaluate major metaphysical theories of sustaining influence. 
2. Identify and evaluate major epistemological theories of sustaining influence. 
3. Fluently communicate philosophical arguments, both in writing and in oral contexts.
4. Apply critical reading skills to philosophical writings, including identifying presented arguments and assumptions, and preparing to discuss those arguments verbally or in writing.

Sense-Perception

Do our senses simply acquaint is with the objects in our environment just as they really are? What about illusions? In this portion of the course, we examine the major philosophical theories of sense-perception. Readings by John Locke, George Berkeley, David Hume, Bertrand Russell, and Gilbert Harman.

Skepticism about the External World

How do you know that your whole life isn't a dream? Or that you aren't like Neo in The Matrix? Readings by Descartes, G. E. Moore, and Martin Gardner.

Consciousness and Color

How can we explain subjective experience—that is, what it's like to experience colors and flavors, pains and memories? Why should our lives be accompanied by these feelings at all? After all, a sophisticated robot (presumably) wouldn't feel them, even if it could do everything we can do. This problem exposes some very deep questions about the ultimate limits of our scientific understanding. Readings by David Chalmers, Eric Rubenstein, and Simon Blackburn.

A Priori Knowledge

Are there things we can know without experience or evidence? Readings by C. S. Lewis, Immanuel Kant, and Bertrand Russell.

Scientific Inference

We all believe the sun will rise tomorrow because it has done so every day in the past. But what is the rational basis of this inference, if any? Another very deep problem! Readings by David Hume, Karl Popper, Peter Lipton, and Elliott Sober.

Social Knowledge

Most of our general knowledge we picked up from other people. We did not discover or verify it on our own. General knowledge is primarily a social phenomenon. It is possessed cultures more than by individuals. But how does this work, what are its limits, and what are its implications for innovation and progress? Readings by John Locke, David Hume, Thomas Reid, and Joseph Henrich.

This is an in person class. All lectures, exams, and other class activities take place at CCSF Ocean Campus (room TBA). 

Technology Requirement: Although this is an online course, the syllabus, lecture slides, readings, and other materials are accessed through the Learning Management System Canvas. So, you will need a device with an Internet connection sufficient for this.

There is no textbook for this course. All readings will be provided through Canvas.

You can find important dates on the Admissions & Registration Important Dates Links to an external site. webpage.

Adds

During the add period (first three weeks of term), I will usually allow any student who submits an "Add Request" to add my class. After the add period, I usually will not.

Drops

It is important to establish your presence in class as a "live participant" in the first week. By the end of the first week of class (or within five days of adding, if you add the class after the semester begins), you should have attended and participated in class meetings. If you have not, you may be dropped from the class.

However, once you are established as a live participant, I am not very quick to drop students who fall behind on their assignments. I will normally (but not necessarily!) communicate with you before taking any action such as dropping you. Thus, if you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it to avoid getting no refund (after 10% of course length), a W symbol (after 20%), or a grade (after 60%). Don't presume that I will automatically drop you.