Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Theory of Knowledge
Teaching staff
btorres@uic.cat
Introduction
Knowledge is an operation that often leads to error, confusion, failure or skepticism. To clarify this, we need a theory, which is nothing more than an observation from a distance, in order to clarify what is happening to it and what is, if possible, knowledge. From this point of view we will go through the various questions that structure the theory of knowledge: its possibility, its essence and, finally, its origin.
In the background of the subject you will find the question of how knowledge is lived in highly technical societies, often prone to subjectivism and relativism, almost inevitable victims of manipulation and post-truth, but relying on science, in its progress, in its capacity for knowledge and guidance.
Pre-course requirements
No specific requirement.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN01 - Students will be able to analyse and interpret imaginary and iconic, symbolic and representational language in the context of humanistic disciplines.
- CP01 - Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired in the professional field by coming up with and defending arguments, as well as resolving problems within different areas of humanistic study.
- CP05 - Students will be able to analyse socio-cultural, historical and artistic structures, from a respect for the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, using language that avoids androcentricity and stereotypes.
- HB04 - Students will be able to develop the capacity for analysis, synthesis and critical thinking.
- HB05 - Students will be able to problem solve based on reasoned judgements.
- HB07 - Students will be able to demonstrate a commitment to ethics, society, and protecting the environment when carrying out research projects and activities related to the field of study.
- HB09 - Students will be able to present creative and viable proposals in the field of humanities, demonstrating initiative and an entrepreneurial spirit by applying the knowledge acquired in their academic training.
- HB11 - Students will be able to critically analyse cultural and artistic representations, based on an understanding of their historical context, in order to develop an intercultural perspective and a deeper understanding of the contemporary world.
- HB14 - Students will be able to critically evaluate cultural and humanistic production.
- HB18 - Students will be able to present the results of their research in a narrative way, following the critical standards of each discipline.
Learning outcomes of the subject
1. Applies acquired language skills to oral and written expression
2. Write narrative and descriptive texts
3. Acquire key concepts of each of the subjects
4. Know and select specific documentation of the subjects
5. Applies theoretical knowledge in analysis and debates of face-to-face activities and in autonomous work
9. Relate concepts of the different subjects worked in a transversal way
10. Learn to diagnose problems in the intellectual, social and political spheres
11. Read and analyze essays on current topics
13. Applies / transfers theoretical and / or abstract concepts of each subject to real situations
Syllabus
Questions of knowledge
1. Do we know?
Dogmatism
Skepticism
2- What do we know?
Realism
Idealism
3. How do we know?
Empiricism
Rationalism
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Les classes es desenvoluparan sota la forma de lliçons magistrals amb el recolzament de textos seleccionats pel professor que seran comentats participativament a l'aula. Inlcouran metodologies diverses, com flipped classroom, role playing, participació en grups, etc. Al llarg del curs es realitzarà una lectura d'una obra clàssica de la filosofia, especialment il·lustrativa de la teoria del coneixement, a la qual es dedicaran sessions específiques de seminari.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The subject will be evaluated on the basis of various tests carried out at the end of each block (60%) and also on the basis of text commentary work (40%).
In the event that the teaching staff detects plagiarized work or a student copying during an exam, this will notify the Faculty Board which will take the relevant measures, including the automatic obtaining of a grade of 0.0 for that subject going directly to the next call.
Bibliography and resources
Bibliografia bàsica:
Mora, F. Diccionario de Filosofia
Cassirer, Ernst. El problema del conocimiento. I. Mexico: Fondo de cultura económica
Hessen, J. (1981). Teoría del conocimiento. Madrid: Espasa-Calpe. Colección Austral
Sales i Coderch, J. R., Coneixement i situació, Publicacions i Edicions de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, 2014 [1ª ed. 1988].
Lester Embree. (2013) Anàlisi reflexiva. trad. Carles Serra Pagès (Traductor). Barcelona: Universitat de Barcelona.
Bibliografia complementaria:
Plató, Eutifró, Editorial Gredos (castellà) Bernat Metge (català)
Plató, Menó, Editorial Gredos (castellà) Bernat Metge (català)
Plató, Teetet, Editorial Gredos (castellà) o Bernat Metge (català)
Plató, Fileb, Edicions de la ela geminada (català)
Román Alcalá, Ramón (1994), El Escepticismo Antiguo: posibilidad del conocimiento y búsqueda de la felicidad. Universidad de Córdoba, Servicio de Publicaciones.
Long, Anthony A. La filosofia helenistica. Alianza Editorial
Descartes, Discurs del Mètode
Descartes, Meditacions Metafísiques
Kant,I. Crítica de la razón pura (Kritik der reinen Vernunft)
Husserl, E. La crisis de las ciencias europeas y la fenomenología trascendental
George Santayana, Escepticismo y fe animal, La Balsa De La Medusa