Social Epistemology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
Social epistemology delves into the interplay between cognitive processes aimed at acquiring knowledge and the social contexts within which these processes unfold. This course is designed to familiarize students with its core concepts and challenges, including knowledge by testimony, peer agreement/disagreement, collective and collaborative knowledge, etc. They will explore pivotal themes and undertake critical examinations of specific instances to gain insight into the complexities inherent in social epistemology, fostering analytical skills and a critical appreciation for the dynamics of science in its social contexts.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to
- describe the main trends in social epistemology
- identify the core concepts and themes of social epistemology
- distinguish between the descriptive and the normative task of social epistemology
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- extract and critically evaluate philosophical arguments from texts in social epistemology
- make, discuss, and evaluate case studies drawn from scientific practice in view of concepts typical of social epistemology
- apply the acquired knowledge and skills to engage in constructive philosophical discussions, presenting one own's arguments clearly and concisely
Making judgements
At the end of the course, students
- will possess the capability to critically and autonomously evaluate fundamental aspects of discussions within social epistemology
Communication skills
At the end of the course, students
- will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate acquired knowledge in a clear and focused manner, using precise language, eliminating vague expressions, and appropriately addressing relevant issues
- will be able to articulate the competencies gained and the associated challenges
At the end of the course, students will be able to
- describe the main trends in social epistemology
- identify the core concepts and themes of social epistemology
- distinguish between the descriptive and the normative task of social epistemology
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- extract and critically evaluate philosophical arguments from texts in social epistemology
- make, discuss, and evaluate case studies drawn from scientific practice in view of concepts typical of social epistemology
- apply the acquired knowledge and skills to engage in constructive philosophical discussions, presenting one own's arguments clearly and concisely
Making judgements
At the end of the course, students
- will possess the capability to critically and autonomously evaluate fundamental aspects of discussions within social epistemology
Communication skills
At the end of the course, students
- will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate acquired knowledge in a clear and focused manner, using precise language, eliminating vague expressions, and appropriately addressing relevant issues
- will be able to articulate the competencies gained and the associated challenges
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Social epistemology studies how the growth of knowledge is shaped, promoted, or hindered by communities. The course focuses on one of the primary epistemic systems — i.e., systems aiming at the growth of knowledge — in modern societies: the scientific enterprise. After introducing the foundational themes of social epistemology (testimonial beliefs and their justification; epistemic authority; peer agreement and disagreement; collective states of knowledge; the organization of cognitive labor), the course will closely examine the concept of collaborative knowledge within scientific enquiry through a case study — the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration and black hole imaging.
Prerequisites for admission
Preliminary notions are not required
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures, live and on-line group activities, discussions. When appropriate, a multimedia approach is employed (e.g. PowerPoint). Compulsory as well as optional didactic materials may be uploaded on the MyAriel Website of the course
Teaching Resources
No English literature is provided. For substitute reading materials in English for non-Italian speakers, please contact the instructor.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exams include both a written and an oral test. Programs are valid for one year (7 terms, from January to September).
The written test consists of a short text to be submitted to the instructor via MyAriel at least one week before the exam. The characteristics and methods of the written text will be presented and discussed in the first class of the course.
The oral test consists of a discussion of the topics covered in the course.
The written part contributes approximately 40% to the final evaluation; the oral part contributes approximately 60% to the final evaluation. For attending students, the written part of the exam can be substituted through a class presentation agreed with the instructor.
Marks obtained in the written test remain valid for the duration of the program, from January to September, until the oral part is completed.
The written test consists of a short text to be submitted to the instructor via MyAriel at least one week before the exam. The characteristics and methods of the written text will be presented and discussed in the first class of the course.
The oral test consists of a discussion of the topics covered in the course.
The written part contributes approximately 40% to the final evaluation; the oral part contributes approximately 60% to the final evaluation. For attending students, the written part of the exam can be substituted through a class presentation agreed with the instructor.
Marks obtained in the written test remain valid for the duration of the program, from January to September, until the oral part is completed.
M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Guzzardi Luca
Professor(s)