Social Epistemology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
Students will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills on current research topics in social epistemology.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire the ability to:
- critically analyze the arguments in social epistemology;
- discuss and compare different philosophical positions in social epistemology;
- reflect on complex and articulated philosophical positions;
- adopt their own stance in a philosophical debate, and put forward arguments in support of it;
- effectively communicate the results of their research, including through multimedia techniques for presenting information, with possible applications in teaching;
- use relational, communicative, and organizational skills even in highly complex contexts and in managing group work;
- convey the acquired skills even in non-specialist contexts;
- reflect on their own abilities and on the evaluations received;
- independently search for the philosophical sources of a debate or school of thought;
- independently explore in depth a philosophical position or theoretical thesis.
- critically analyze the arguments in social epistemology;
- discuss and compare different philosophical positions in social epistemology;
- reflect on complex and articulated philosophical positions;
- adopt their own stance in a philosophical debate, and put forward arguments in support of it;
- effectively communicate the results of their research, including through multimedia techniques for presenting information, with possible applications in teaching;
- use relational, communicative, and organizational skills even in highly complex contexts and in managing group work;
- convey the acquired skills even in non-specialist contexts;
- reflect on their own abilities and on the evaluations received;
- independently search for the philosophical sources of a debate or school of thought;
- independently explore in depth a philosophical position or theoretical thesis.
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. 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).
Lectures will not be recorded or streamed.
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).
Lectures will not be recorded or streamed.
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, on point 4-C of the course bibliograhy. 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
PHIL-02/A - Logic and Philosophy of Science - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
PHIL-02/A - Logic and Philosophy of Science - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)