Module Descriptors
TRUTH LEVEL 6
PHIL60131
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: David Webb
Email: D.A.Webb@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 23
Independent Study Hours: 127
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 30%
- COURSEWORK - SECOND ESSAY weighted at 30%
- PORTFOLIO weighted at 40%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
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 image (both fine art and contemporary visual media).
Module Additional Assessment Details
1. A 1000 word essay on a question relating to the theories of truth discussed in the module [Learning Outcome 1]
2. A 1000 word essay on a question relating to one of the theories of truth discussed in the module [Learning Outcome 2]
3. A portfolio consisting 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 3]
2. A 1000 word essay on a question relating to one of the theories of truth discussed in the module [Learning Outcome 2]
3. A portfolio consisting 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 3]
Module Learning Strategies
Teaching and learning will be delivered in a weekly workshop, involving tutor-led introductions, small group work and discussion of pre-arranged topics.
Module Texts
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)
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)
Module Resources
Library, IT facilities, and space for individual and group study.