Dr. Dan McArthur

Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy

Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies

djmc@Yorku.ca

Students are encouraged to maintain contact with the instructor during office hours.  These are held weekly and are DROP IN.

Office: Department of Philosophy, S425 Ross Building

Office hours (drop in): Tuesday 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Theories of knowledge are examined in relation to theories of reality. How does our perception of reality relate to our understanding of it? How can we come to know something is true or false? A special focus of discussion will include scientific epistemology, how do we know the truth of theories? Prerequisite: At least one of: AP/PHIL 2080 3.00 or AP/PHIL 2110 3.00. Course credit exclusion: GL/PHIL 3934 3.00.

John Turri, Epistemology A Guide, 2013.  ISBN:  144333704.

Fall mid-term test:         40%

Fall exam:                     20%

Essay:                            25%

The course will involve lectures and will include one mid term test (mandatory), in end of year test (mandatory) and an end of term essay (200 words) (mandatory)

The objectives will be a thorough familiarization with the main debates in epistemology and an ability to critically engage with these topics.

• Attendance is recommended in this course.
• There may be additional readings. These will be announced in class, and students will be directed to York University Library website for access to the readings.
• Any further information and any possible changes will be announced in class.
• Weekly readings, lecture notes, sample exams and test dates will be posted on the course website