PHIL 373: Theory of Knowledge
PHIL 373-001: Theory of Knowledge
(Fall 2025)
10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR
Horizon Hall 1009
Section Information for Fall 2025
COURSE GOALS: Our goals in this course are to gain an understanding of the philosophical
discussion on the nature of knowledge throughout the Western tradition; to see where this
discussion stands as of today; and to learn to develop philosophically informed judgments on
these issues. To do well in this course, you need to understand the books we read– the issues
the authors address, the claims they make on these issues, and their arguments for these claims.
But– and this is very important– you also need to think about how you would answer these
questions, and what the strengths and weaknesses are of the philosophers’ arguments. You will
also need to present your thoughts in clearly written essays, in which you explain the
philosophers’ views (making specific reference to the texts) and offer arguments for your
considered judgments on the questions we discuss. What I mean by ‘specific reference to the
text’ is quoting (i.e. word for word) specific passages in the text; giving in a footnote or endnote
clear indication of where the quote is to be found; and explaining, in your own words, the
meaning of the quoted passage. You can find a statement of standards for good writing in
philosophy at: http://philosophy.gmu.edu/undergraduate/writing-standards.
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Course Information from the University Catalog
Credits: 3
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.