Time Schedule:
Laurence A Bonjour
PHIL 490
Seattle Campus
Intensive study of a particular topic or area in epistemology. Prerequisite: either PHIL 350 or PHIL 450.
Class description
The main topic of this course will be the nature and limits of a priori justification (and, derivatively, of a priori knowledge). We will spend some time on the history of this concept and then look at some of the competing accounts of a priori justification, with special focus on the idea of rational intuition or rational insight as the basis for such justification. We may also look at some related epistemological and metaphysical issues, such as the problem of induction and the nature and cognitive accessibility of abstract entities. The main requirements will be in-class reports, possibly a mid-term examination, and a term paper. Prerequisite: PHIL 350 or 450. Interested students without the official pre-requisite should contact the undergraduate adviser at philadv@u.washington.edu. PHIL 322 is strongly recommended. TEXTS: On-line readings.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
PHIL 350 or 450. PHIL 322 strongly recommended
Class assignments and grading
