Subject

Theory of Knowledge

  • code 09146
  • course 3
  • term Semester 2
  • type OB
  • credits 3

Module: Structures and systems of development

Matter: Sociedad y Cultura

Main language of instruction: Spanish

Teaching staff

Head instructor

Dr. Francesc Xavier ESCRIBANO - xescriba@uic.es

Office hours

By appointment with the professor: Dr Xavier Escribano: xescriba@uic.es

Introduction

‘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’.

Pre-course requirements

No specific requirement.

Competences / Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • E01 - Ability to provide a humanistic/cultural vision to other sciences or methods.
  • E11 - Ability to interpret data and relate it to appropriate theories.
  • G01 - To analyse and interpret social and cultural environments to identify need, opportunities, weaknesses and strenghts..
  • G02 - To lead, cooordinate and form part of interdisciplinary work teams.
  • E02 - Ability to use methods and techniques specific to human sciences.

Syllabus

I. KNOWLEDGE AND LIFE 1. Knowledge as a vital operation: interiority and immanence. 2. Cognitive intentionality (Aristotle, Brentano, Husserl). 3. Phenomenology of the senses: sensory modalities of access to the world. 4. Memory, Imagination. 5. Intellective life and interest in the truth.   II. KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH 1. The problem of truth. 1.1. The states of mind before the truth. 1.2. Controversial realism vs. idealism. 1.3. Suspicion before reality: scepticism and relativism. 2. Types of knowledge: science and wisdom. 3. Freedom in the knowledge and ethical dimension of scientific activity.

 


Teaching and learning activities

In person

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.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person

Attendance and participation: 20%. Reading seminar: 20%. Final written test: 60%. (Passing the final written test is an essential condition to pass the course).

Bibliography and resources

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].

 

  © 2024 Universitat Internacional de Catalunya | Contact us | Privacy and data protection | Intellectual property
  Campus Barcelona. Tel.: 93 254 18 00 | Campus Sant Cugat. Tel.: 93 504 20 00