PHIL 451 Current Issues in Epistemology
- Level 4 or above and [PHIL 250/6.0 or {PHIL 251/3.0 and PHIL 252/3.0}] and [{PHIL 242/3.0 and PHIL 243/3.0} or PHIL 257/6.0]) and ([a minimum CGPA of 2.40] or [a minimum GPA of 2.70 in all 300-level PHIL]) and (9.0 units of PHIL at the 300-level) and (registration in a PHIL Plan).
None.
one-way Exclusions
- Seminars
- Multiple readings, mostly available online
Instructor: Sergio Sismondo
We鈥檙e going to study conspiracy theories. What makes some narratives conspiracy theories? What, if anything, makes conspiracy theories different from other narratives about power in our societies? We鈥檒l be approaching the topic assuming that we can reasonably study the causes of the credibility of conspiracy theories using the same tools and intellectual resources as we might study the causes of the credibility of any other kind of belief. This means that we鈥檒l be approaching conspiracy theories with a combination of generosity and critical analysis. Some background reading should help us to do this.
This is a seminar course. Students will be responsible for becoming experts on particular conspiracy theories, and for teaching their peers about those theories.
Learning Outcomes
Assessments
Assessments
Evaluation will be based on a combination of a seminar presentation, class participation and a final research paper.