Fall Semester 2003

Theodore Gracyk, Instructor

Monday and Wednesday, 3:00 to 4:15 pm
Minnesota State University Moorhead

(218) 477-4089             Office Location: Bridges Hall 359B

Course Description:  (3 credits )
Study of basic problems of theory of knowledge (epistemology) and discussion of contemporary epistemological theories. Topics will include the analysis of knowledge, epistemic justification, foundationalism, coherentism, reliabilism, traditional versus naturalistic epistemology, and skepticism. Students should have taken at least two courses in philosophy or obtain the consent of the instructor.

This is an advanced undergraduate philosophy course. It will be conducted accordingly and students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the assigned material.

For more about my expectations, click here. 

Required Readings:

• Knowledge and Inquiry, K Brad Wray (ed.), Broadview Press, 2002.
• An Introduction to Contemporary Epistemology, Mathias Steup, Prentice Hall, 1998.

• Plato's Sophist (edited version) 
• Hume on skepticism about reason & about sensation 
• Descartes, Meditation Four 
• Wittgenstein on private language 

The reading schedule is posted online. (click here) Bring the readings to class with you on the appropriate days.

Course Requirements in relation to course grade: 

The exams are open-book, open-notes. The midterm exam is a take-home exam. The final exam takes place at the officially scheduled time: 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Homework assignments will be distributed in class, not online.

Your paper can be on any topic covered in the course readings, but the topic requires pre-approval from the instructor. 

For more information on the department's expectations about the work done in philosophy courses, click here. 

Late work will not be accepted. For extensions on due dates, you must contact the instructor in advance of the due date.

Notice of disability services 

Minnesota State University Moorhead is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in education and employment and welcomes students with disabilities. We are prepared to offer you a range of services to accommodate your needs.

However, students must accept responsibility for initiating the request for services. 

This can only be done by contacting 
Greg Toutges: Director of Disability Services, 
222 Comstock Memorial Union. 
Telephone: 477-2652. 

Do not try to explain your needs to me, your instructor. Talk to Greg Toutges and he will contact me.