238-2 Ways of Knowing 4 sem. An examination of the nature and varieties of human knowing. Classical approaches, such as that of Plato, as well as more contemporary approaches will be considered. Topics include tacit knowing, mystical knowing, the possibility of objective and subjective knowledge, and the role of knowledge in contemporary society. This course examines the common ground between women's studies and philosophy of religion.
Philosophy takes place in discourse.
This course is an opportunity to get in at the start of the conversation when western philosophy was first shaping the concepts and questions that still concern us today. Plato and his precursors, Aristotle and his followers, will be our conversation partners for the semester. The modern period in philosophy beginning with Descartes and ending with Kant reflects the radical changes occurring in society at that time resulting, in particular, from the scientific revolution. This course analyzes some of those changes, focusing on the major philosophical views of the period. It examines issues of personal identity, knowledge, the existence of God, and the nature of the external world.