Skepticism is one of the oldest philosophical problems. What we might call "local" skepticism is the view that we cannot have knowledge about some specific area, say, about whether or not a divine being exists. "Global" skepticism, on the other hand, is the view that we cannot have any knowledge at all, and it is this latter sort of skepticism that we shall explore in this seminar. We'll start with a historical overview of the development of epistemology (or, theory of knowledge) and examine some of the more interesting historical arguments for skepticism. We'll finish with a survey of contemporary epistemology and consider various arguments that have recently been offered both for and against skepticism.
You will be required to write ten short reaction papers, 1-2 pages each. Topics will be announced ahead of time and will pertain to the reading. The papers must be typed, double-spaced.
You will be required to write one research paper for this class. Each student will be responsible for formulating a topic, gathering any necessary supporting articles, creating a one page proposal which summarizes your paper topic and what you intend to accomplish in the paper, and finally, submitting the final paper on the assigned due date. The proposal should include at the end a list of sources you intend to consult in writing the paper. The paper itself must be double-spaced, typed, and no less than ten pages in length (no more than 20, please). All sources must be documented in a bibliography attached to the end of the paper. Footnotes or endnotes are permitted. The paper should reflect your ability to summarize and discuss a particular philosophical position concisely and critically. Be sure to check grammar and spelling. Let me know if you need any help with any of the above! I'll have more to say about what exactly I'm looking for in these papers later in the semester.
Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should contact and provide appropriate documentation to the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities (Center for Academic Services) as soon as possible.
NB: The following schedule is tentative. Changes may be necessary, and if so, will be announced ahead of time in class.