The course aims to use the tools of epistemology to study communicative phenomena. To this end, we will first provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts of the theory of knowledge and the fundamental aspects of the scientific method. Some issues of social epistemology will then be addressed, such as epistemological disagreement, testimony and beliefs, the epistemology of experts.
At the end of the course, students will have acquired fundamental notions of philosophy of science and some tools to conduct the methodological and epistemological analysis of the communication models developed in various disciplinary sectors (such as cognitive science, psychology, ethology, theory of games).
At the end of the course, students will have acquired fundamental notions of philosophy of science and some tools to conduct the methodological and epistemological analysis of the communication models developed in various disciplinary sectors (such as cognitive science, psychology, ethology, theory of games).
teacher profile teaching materials
In recent decades, it has become clear that much of what we know does not stem from direct experience, but from the testimony of other epistemic agents (individuals, institutions, communities). Social epistemology, the theoretical framework of this course, is built upon this foundation.
We will begin with some tools of classical epistemology (formal logic, fallacies), and then analyze testimony (when and why should we believe others?). We will introduce the notion of epistemic vigilance (when and whom to believe? Typically: those who are competent and trustworthy) and discuss the role of experts (how are they defined? What happens when they “overstep their bounds”: epistemic trespassing).
We will then examine epistemic injustice (distorted distribution of epistemic credit), with attention to its moral implications and relevant cases (including contexts related to gender-based violence).
We will then address the pragmatics of communication, with a particular emphasis on digital contexts (disinformation, deepfakes) and their epistemic implications.
In the final section, we will consider science as an epistemic system. We will discuss the notion of scientific progress, the social norms that govern science, how communication functions within science (primarily through peer-reviewed scientific articles), and between science and the public.
Mutuazione: 20711191 EPISTEMOLOGIA E COMUNICAZIONE- LM in Informazione, editoria, giornalismo LM-19 R VIOLA MARCO
Programme
“How do we know? What does it mean to know? What can go wrong (and how can we fix it)?” These questions lie at the heart of epistemology.In recent decades, it has become clear that much of what we know does not stem from direct experience, but from the testimony of other epistemic agents (individuals, institutions, communities). Social epistemology, the theoretical framework of this course, is built upon this foundation.
We will begin with some tools of classical epistemology (formal logic, fallacies), and then analyze testimony (when and why should we believe others?). We will introduce the notion of epistemic vigilance (when and whom to believe? Typically: those who are competent and trustworthy) and discuss the role of experts (how are they defined? What happens when they “overstep their bounds”: epistemic trespassing).
We will then examine epistemic injustice (distorted distribution of epistemic credit), with attention to its moral implications and relevant cases (including contexts related to gender-based violence).
We will then address the pragmatics of communication, with a particular emphasis on digital contexts (disinformation, deepfakes) and their epistemic implications.
In the final section, we will consider science as an epistemic system. We will discuss the notion of scientific progress, the social norms that govern science, how communication functions within science (primarily through peer-reviewed scientific articles), and between science and the public.
Core Documentation
English speaking students must discuss the program with the professor.Type of delivery of the course
The course includes. (a) lectures with class discussion (about 50%) (b) commentary on exercises done at home (about 10%) (c) guest speakers (about 15%) (d) during the last weeks, student presentation of papers and class discussion (about 25%)Attendance
Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.Type of evaluation
For non-attenders, verification of learning is through an oral test, which consists of THREE MODULES to be agreed with the lecturer at least 2 weeks before the exam, where 1 MODULE = 1 book of your choice from those listed as the exam syllabus / 3 articles of your choice from those discussed in the course, and found in the teaching Moodle folder. Accordingly, an exam may consist of 3 books; 2 books and 3 articles; 1 book and 6 articles; or 9 articles. Attendees only are also offered the opportunity (a) to take 1 MODULE in itinere, through the performance of some exercises during the course. (b) to discount 1 MODULE by submitting a written paper (min 3000 max 5000 words, Italian or English), on a topic to be agreed with the lecturer and to be sent at least 10 days before the exam. (c) potentially, to take 1 MODULE by presenting a paper during a class. Accordingly, for an attending student the exam may consist of 2 books + exercises; of exercises + written paper + 3 papers; of written paper + 2 books/6 papers/3 papers and 1 book; etc.