Theory of Knowledge
Module: Structures and systems of development
Matter: Sociedad y Cultura
Main language of instruction: Spanish
Head instructor
Dr. Francesc Xavier ESCRIBANO - xescriba@uic.es
Office hours
By appointment with the professor: Dr Xavier Escribano: xescriba@uic.es
‘Let’s return to the things themselves’ and regain the genuine philosophical sense of wonderment at the phenomenon of knowledge, the astonishment and bewilderment that has been present throughout the history of Western thought, but which has to be first rediscovered in oneself.
To address this major theme in a limited number of sessions the course will be divided into two parts: I. Knowledge and Life and II. Knowledge and Truth. In the first part of the course, knowledge will be studied as a vital activity, with special emphasis on the opening of the senses to the world. This is an aspect which is often relegated to second place or overlooked entirely, but not only is it the basis of knowledge itself, but it is also the foundation of material culture and of the different artistic disciplines which are so relevant to a student of the humanities. We will also devote special attention to life as shaped by the possession of an intellectual faculty, and seeking truth as a defining human trait.
This will lead into the second part of the course in which the classical concepts and problems of the theory of knowledge will be examined, including a discussion of scepticism and the different forms of relativism (psychologism, historicism, constructionism, etc.). It will provide the student with an up-to-date overview of the key concepts of epistemology and an excellent introduction to the themes that will be covered subsequently in the course entitled ‘Science, Technology and Society’.
No specific requirement.
The classes will consist of lectures with the support of texts selected by the professor, which will be commented on in the classroom. Throughout the course we will read a classic work of philosophy, especially illustrative of the theory of knowledge, to which specific seminary sessions will be dedicated.
Descartes, Discurso del método, Alianza Editorial, Madrid, 2014
Llano, A., Teoría del Conocimiento, BAC, Madrid, 2015.
Platón, Teeteto, en: Diálogos V, Biblioteca Clásica Gredos, Ed. Gredos, Madrid, 2008./ Plató, Teetet (Diàlegs, vol. XIV), Fundació Bernat Metge, Barcelona, 1995.
Sales i Coderch, J. R., Coneixement i situació, Publicacions i Edicions de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, 2014 [1ª ed. 1988].
Villoro, L., Creer, saber, conocer, Siglo XXI Editores, México D.F., 2013 [1ª ed. 1982].