Epistemology (Philosophy of Knowledge)

SE802

​Semester 2, 2021

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Wednesday Evenings from 7:00pm to 9:00pm via Zoom Online

Class Dates: Jul 14, 21, 28,  Aug 04, 11, 18, 25,  Sep 01, 15, 22, 29,  Oct 06, 13, 20, 27,  Nov 03,  2021

Examination: Not Confirmed (TBA)

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"The only good reason to believe anything is because it is true." - Peter Kreeft

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"... we need knowledge, we need truth, because without these we cannot stand firm, we cannot move forward. Faith with out truth does not save, it does not provide a sure footing. It remains a beautiful story, the projection of our deep yearning for happiness, something capable of satisfying us to the extent that we are willing to deceive ourselves." - Lumen Fidei 24

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Taking one's faith very seriously is sometimes perceived as being fanatical or superstitious. To put it squarely, to be deeply pious is to be unreasonable. I would admit that if a religion is solely based on folklorns. Now, this is clearly not the case with Christianity.

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"What is truth?", "Could man know the truth?" These are fundamental questions that deeply impact theology, philosophy and natural sciences. This introductory course in epistemology studies the nature of knowledge, the cognitive process and the encounter of the intellect with the res (i.e. the real thing).

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We will examine Thomistic philosophy of knowledge and study human comprehension of the truth, tracing the cognitive process from object to intellectual knowledge. We will also review the major postures adopted in epistemology (i.e. empiricism, rationalism, idealism, skepticism, and realism) through their key philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, and Kant. Finally, we would examine the different human situations of man in his search for truth: questions, doubts, opinions, human faith, error and wisdom.

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Through this course, we hope to come to a better appreciation of the role of human reason in living a flourishing life and the importance of defending human capability to know the truth.

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