M Baghramian, Relativism (Routledge, London, 2004)
S Blackburn, Truth: A Guide for the Perplexed (Allen Lane, London, 2005).
S Blackburn & K Simmons (eds), Truth (Oxford readings in Philosophy) (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1999)
H-G Gadamer, Truth and Method (Continuum, London, 2004)
R Kirkham, Theories of Truth: A Critical Introduction (MIT Press, Cambridge Mass., 1992).
M P Lynch, True to Life: Why Truth Matters (Bradford Books, 2004).
W V O Quine, The Ways of Paradox and Other Essays (Harvard University Press, 1976)
R Rorty, Objectivity, Relativism and Truth (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1990)
G Vattimo, Beyond Interpretation (Polity Press, Cambridge, 1997)

Teaching and learning will be delivered in a weekly workshop, involving tutor-led introductions, small group work and discussion of pre-arranged topics.

This module aims to get behind the vague relativism implicit in the common expression 'It's all down to opinion' and expose the philosophical issues lurking beneath. It will begin with a review of some of the main theories of truth (e.g. the correspondence theory, the coherence theory, and the pragmatist theory), which will then provide the basis for a critique of the claims of relativism. This will be followed by a reflection on the role of interpretation and the value of a hermeneutic approach to the question of truth, leading on to a consideration of the question of truth in literature and image (both fine art and contemporary visual media).

1. A 1500 word essay on a question relating to the theories of truth discussed in the module [Learning Outcome 1]

2. The portfolio will consist of two 500 word pieces addressing the question of truth in relation to examples from art, literature, journalism or other forms of contemporary media. The tutor will set the parameters within which the question must be addressed, but the students will find their own examples to discuss. [Learning Outcome 2]

Library, IT facilities, and space for individual and group study.