Social Epistemology
A.Y. 2025/2026
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 can be attended as a single course.
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. It will first introduce 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). Then the course will offer a conceptual framework and methodological tools for examining the diverse forms of collaborative scientific knowledge. This will be pursued through conceptual analysis in the 6 ECTS (CFU) program, and through both conceptual analysis and selected case studies in the 9 ECTS (CFU) program.
On-line environment on MyAriel. Students can choose to absolve a program for 6 ECTS (40 hour classes) or 9 ECTS (all classes, i.e. 60 hours).
Recordings: the lectures will be recorded and accessible (through MyAriel) for the enitre academic year.
Streaming: lectures will be streamed only when the room reaches full capacity (the course code is provided on MyAriel)
On-line environment on MyAriel. Students can choose to absolve a program for 6 ECTS (40 hour classes) or 9 ECTS (all classes, i.e. 60 hours).
Recordings: the lectures will be recorded and accessible (through MyAriel) for the enitre academic year.
Streaming: lectures will be streamed only when the room reaches full capacity (the course code is provided on MyAriel)
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
The final evaluation consists of both a written and an oral component. The exam program remains valid for one academic year (seven sessions, from January to September). In particular, students are required to submit a short written text via the MyAriel platform or per e-mail at least one week prior to the exam date. The nature and format of this written assignment will be outlined and discussed during the first class. For attending students, the written component can be supplemented with a class presentation, subject to prior agreement with the instructor. The oral exam consists of a discussion covering the topics addressed throughout the course.
The final grade is based equally on the written and oral components. Marks obtained in the written exam remain valid for the entire duration of the exam program (January to September), until the oral component has been completed.
The final grade is based equally on the written and oral components. Marks obtained in the written exam remain valid for the entire duration of the exam program (January to September), until the oral component has been completed.
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)