University of California, Irvine

Skepticism

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(77 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
15 hours to complete
3 weeks at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(77 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
15 hours to complete
3 weeks at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Details to know

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Assessments

12 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

We will begin this course by exploring the nature of Skepticism through an investigation of foundational concepts of truth and knowledge. We'll also discuss how current issues in public debate (climate change denial, fake news etc) trade on Skepticism; but how a moderate skepticism can also be a force for good.

What's included

8 videos1 reading3 assignments3 discussion prompts

How does one know that we are not a Brain-in-a-Vat? And how can we know that we are or are not? In this module will explore what kinds of things can, and cannot, motivate skeptical doubt. We will also review the radical skeptical hypotheses, and why we can’t rule it out. We'll conclude by discussing the radical skeptical paradox.

What's included

3 videos1 reading3 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

So how does one respond to radical skepticism? In this module we will discuss strategies for responding to the idea that knowledge is impossible. We will also examine the contributions of the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein on the possibility of global rational evaluation.

What's included

3 videos1 reading3 assignments1 discussion prompt

What does Skepticism have to do with "the good life"? In this module we will learn from Aristotle, an Ancient philosopher that believed that the good life is a life of virtue. We will explore how intellectual vices and virtues go hand-in-hand with moderate Skepticism.

What's included

7 videos1 reading3 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.7 (21 ratings)
Professor Duncan Pritchard
University of California, Irvine
11 Courses861,161 learners

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Recommended if you're interested in Philosophy

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4.7

77 reviews

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5

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2022

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5

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

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5

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2020

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