ATS3876 · Knowledge, belief, and action

Overview

This unit concerns epistemological questions such as what is knowledge? How do we form beliefs? How do our beliefs inform our decisions and actions? The focus may be on contemporary debates about scepticism and the definition of knowledge, or approach the topic through the lens of decision theory, theories of rationality, or how knowledge is acquired through science. The focus can also be on ways in which epistemology is challenged, for example in hallucinations, dreams and delusions, or in issues around notions of 'fake news', knowledge resistance, and biases & heuristics, or more generally around the possibility of disagreement and changing one’s mind.

Areas of study: Philosophy

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. explain philosophical theories about how knowledge arises, how we form beliefs, and how decisions are formed;
2. critically analyse and evaluate philosophical texts relating to epistemology;
3. communicate philosophical arguments orally and in writing.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.