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Truth - PHI00106M

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Rob Trueman
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

Your task in this module will be to answer one of the fundamental philosophical questions: What is truth?

Professional requirements

N/A

Related modules

N/A

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

Subject Content

  • To critically examine some of the leading theories of truth, including: the correspondence theory; coherentism; deflationism; truthmaker theory; the identity theory.

  • To delimit the logical relationships between these theories.

  • To determine the consequences that each theory has for wider philosophy (and potentially beyond).

  • To decide for yourself which, if any, of these theories ought to be accepted.

Academic and graduate skills

  • To develop students’ interpretative skills, by reading a number of challenging philosophical texts.

  • To develop students’ analytical and critical skills, by critically evaluating and comparing the various theories of truth.

  • To develop students’ writing skills, by writing an essay on truth.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to …

  • Explain a variety of theories of truth in clear and precise terms, displaying critical awareness and an ability to synthesise information and ideas from a variety of sources.

  • Develop and articulate detailed arguments for and against key theories in the philosophy of truth.

  • Make a measured judgement about which are the most plausible theories in the philosophy of truth, based on a careful consideration of the arguments, and make a sustained and detailed case for that judgement

  • Read and critically engage with contemporary work on the philosophy of truth in an autonomous way

  • Prepare an extended essay that goes beyond the core framework that is provided by seminar readings and discussions, and which show originality and critical reflection in the development of arguments.

Module content

Your task in this module will be to answer one of the fundamental philosophical questions: What is truth? We will start with the correspondence theory, and then explore a number of reactions against it, such as: truthmaker theory; coherentism; deflationism; pluralism; primitivism; and the identity theory.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Summative Essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

On formative week, within two weeks, and before the end of term.

On summative work, within 25 working days.

Indicative reading

  • Rasmussen, J. (2014) Defending the Correspondence Theory of Truth. Cambridge: CUP

  • Davidson, D. (1986) ‘A coherentist theory of truth and knowledge’, in Lepore (ed) Truth and Interpretation. Oxford: Blackwell

  • Wright, C. (1992) Truth & Objectivity. Cambridge, MA: HUP

  • Trueman, R. (2022) ‘Truth without dependence’. Supplementary Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society 96: 89-121


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.