Truth - PHI00106M
- Department: Philosophy
- 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
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To critically examine some of the leading theories of truth, including: the correspondence theory; coherentism; deflationism; truthmaker theory; the identity theory.
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To delimit the logical relationships between these theories.
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To determine the consequences that each theory has for wider philosophy (and potentially beyond).
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To decide for yourself which, if any, of these theories ought to be accepted.
Academic and graduate skills
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To develop students’ interpretative skills, by reading a number of challenging philosophical texts.
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To develop students’ analytical and critical skills, by critically evaluating and comparing the various theories of truth.
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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 …
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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.
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Develop and articulate detailed arguments for and against key theories in the philosophy of truth.
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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
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Read and critically engage with contemporary work on the philosophy of truth in an autonomous way
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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.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
On formative week, within two weeks, and before the end of term.
On summative work, within 25 working days.
Indicative reading
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Rasmussen, J. (2014) Defending the Correspondence Theory of Truth. Cambridge: CUP
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Davidson, D. (1986) ‘A coherentist theory of truth and knowledge’, in Lepore (ed) Truth and Interpretation. Oxford: Blackwell
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Wright, C. (1992) Truth & Objectivity. Cambridge, MA: HUP
- Trueman, R. (2022) ‘Truth without dependence’. Supplementary Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society 96: 89-121