Skepticism: Philosophical Foundations and Applications
Explore the nature of doubt, knowledge, and truth through critical examination of skeptical arguments.
Explore the nature of doubt, knowledge, and truth through critical examination of skeptical arguments.
This course examines the philosophical foundations and practical applications of skepticism in today's world. Led by Professor Duncan Pritchard, students will investigate core concepts of truth, knowledge, and doubt, and how they relate to contemporary issues such as climate change denial and fake news. The curriculum covers radical skeptical hypotheses, strategies for defending knowledge claims, and the role of skepticism in living a good life. Through lectures, readings, and interactive assignments, participants will develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of how skepticism can be both a challenge to knowledge and a tool for intellectual growth.
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What you'll learn
Understand the core concepts of skepticism and its relationship to truth and knowledge
Analyze radical skeptical arguments and their implications for the possibility of knowledge
Evaluate different philosophical strategies for defending knowledge claims against skeptical challenges
Examine the role of skepticism in contemporary debates on issues like climate change and fake news
Apply skeptical thinking to real-world situations and personal beliefs
Explore the connection between moderate skepticism and intellectual virtues
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
1.85 Hours PreRecorded video
12 assignments
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There are 4 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of skepticism, its philosophical foundations, and its relevance in contemporary society. Through four modules, students will examine the nature of skepticism, its relationship to concepts of truth and knowledge, and its role in both challenging and defending our understanding of the world. The curriculum begins with an introduction to skeptical concepts and their modern applications, then delves into radical skeptical arguments and their implications for the possibility of knowledge. Students will explore various philosophical responses to skepticism, including common sense approaches and contextualist theories. The course concludes by considering skepticism as a way of life, drawing connections to Aristotelian virtue ethics and the concept of intellectual virtues. Throughout the course, participants will engage with challenging thought experiments, analyze philosophical arguments, and apply skeptical thinking to current events and personal beliefs.
What is Skepticism?
Module 1 · 3 Hours to complete
Is Knowledge Impossible?
Module 2 · 3 Hours to complete
Defending Knowledge
Module 3 · 3 Hours to complete
Skepticism as a Way of Life
Module 4 · 4 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructor
Professor of Philosophy
Professor Duncan Pritchard FRSE is the Chancellor’s Professor of Philosophy and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of California, Irvine, as well as a professor of philosophy at the University of Edinburgh. He joined the University of Edinburgh in 2007 as the Chair in Epistemology. His research focuses primarily on epistemology, and he has authored several books, including Epistemic Luck (Oxford UP, 2005), The Nature and Value of Knowledge (Oxford UP, 2010), Epistemological Disjunctivism (Oxford UP, 2012), Epistemic Angst (Princeton UP, 2015), and Scepticism: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford UP, 2019).
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