Syllabus for Introduction to Self-Knowledge

Introduktion till självkännedom

Syllabus

  • 7.5 credits
  • Course code: 5FT085
  • Education cycle: First cycle
  • Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Theoretical Philosophy G1N

    Explanation of codes

    The code indicates the education cycle and in-depth level of the course in relation to other courses within the same main field of study according to the requirements for general degrees:

    First cycle

    • G1N: has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
    • G1F: has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G1E: contains specially designed degree project for Higher Education Diploma
    • G2F: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G2E: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
    • GXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

    Second cycle

    • A1N: has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1F: has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
    • A2E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
    • AXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

  • Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG)
  • Established: 2018-02-13
  • Established by: The Department Board
  • Revised: 2018-04-16
  • Revised by: The Department Board
  • Applies from: week 01, 2019
  • Entry requirements: General entry requirements and History 1b/1a1+1a2, Social Studies 1b/1a1+1a2 or History A, Civics A
  • Responsible department: Department of Philosophy

Decisions and guidelines

​The department responsible for the course is The Department of Philosophy.

Learning outcomes

The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the philosophical problems about self-knowledge. Upon completion of the course the student is expected to be able to:

  • describe the main theories about self-knowledge, including knowledge of our mental states, as well as substantial and normative theories.
  • analyse different approaches to self-knowledge, as well as philosophical problems that arise from them.
  • contextualise discussions about self-knowledge in knowledge philosophy and awareness philosophy.
  • identify some important consequences that choices between different theories have for psychology and moral philosophy.
  • analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the theories we study.

Content

What is self-knowledge and how do we acquire it? Is it important to be self-knowledgeable? Does self-knowledge differ, in structure or kind, from other kinds of knowledge? Are there radically different kinds of self-knowledge, or can one theory capture a common feature? This is an introductory course to different meanings and philosophical questions connected to self-knowledge, understood broadly to include, for example, bodily self, our knowledge of our mental states, as well as normative aspects of self-knowledge.

Instruction

Teaching consists of lectures and mandatory seminars

Assessment

A written essay and/or shorter seminar papers.

Syllabus Revisions

Reading list

Reading list

Applies from: week 01, 2019

Some titles may be available electronically through the University library.

The teacher makes a selection from the following works:

and Stephen Hetherington (2007) Self-Knowledge: Beginning Philosophy Right Here and Now. Brodview Guides to Philosophy. Broadview Press (January 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1551117983

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