Undervisningsplan

Spring 2010: Self-Knowledge

COURSE CONTENT In this course we investigate the epistemology of self-knowledge, and examine current research on the nature and significance of the distinctive ways in which one knows about the contents of one’s own mind. We seem to be epistemically authoritative about what we are experiencing, thinking and doing, and need not rely on empirical observations of ourselves or inference to know about them, as other people do. What explains this fact, and what do the special characteristics of first-person epistemic access tell us about the nature of mental states and actions? We critically examine some of the most influential answers to these questions in the contemporary literature.

LEARNING OUTCOMES After successfuly completing the course, students will have:

• acquired an in-depth knowledge of the contemporary debates in the epistemology of self-knowledge;
• gained an understanding of the conceptual connections between the topics discussed and other areas of philosophy, including their own topics of specialization and research;
• developed their ability to articulate and express their ideas, both orally and in writing.

TEACHING Teaching will consist in 12 weekly 2-hour seminars. For further details, please refer to the detailed teaching plan below.

EXAM INFORMATION Essay of aprox. 10 pages.

READINGS Follow this link also for full bibliographical info of the required basic readings for each session listed below.