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Philosophy for the Real World: Knowledge, Ignorance and Bullshit (PH148)

This module is about the production and maintenance of ignorance. Specifically, the focus will be on strategies, habits and practices that undermine our ability to gain, keep or transfer knowledge.

The module will use real examples to understand the phenomenon of loss of knowledge. Our knowledge of the world around us is threatened by bullshit, propaganda, the undermining of trust in experts and the promotion of conspiracy theories. There will be lectures on each of these topics, and on epistemic vices such as stupidity and prejudice that also contribute to the fragility of knowledge. This module will be an introduction to epistemology but epistemology for the real world.

fake news

Module Director:

Quassim Cassam