1. Understand critically a range of key ideas in recent continental thought with particular reference to the relation of knowledge to politics.
2. Understand these discrete ideas in relationship to each other, and in relation to certain other intellectual or historical phenomena.
3. Plan and pursue effective research in philosophy.
4. Communicate in a clear, balanced, well-structured, critical and analytical manner concerning your research findings.

Assessment 1. Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3.

The coursework essay is the main summative assessment. Students will have the option of formulating their own essay question to address a problem relevant to or arising from the material covered in the module and will be expected to compose a well researched, evidenced, and coherently argued essay.

Assessment 2. Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3.

This assessment will be formative. Students will be required to undertake a shorter task, such as a review of relevant secondary literature (including online resources), a critical analysis of a passage from a text, or a short video presentation on a topic covered in the module.

Assessment 3. Learning Outcome 4.

The discussion board is a vital part of the learning experience for all students. In addition to requiring students to articulate their understanding of the problems addressed by the module, it provides an opportunity for tutor-student and peer to peer feedback.

Knowledge and politics have been closely related since Plato’s Republic. However, their relation has become more problematic than ever in late modernity, giving rise to divergent approaches. A key question is whether it is possible in principle to achieve knowledge in a way that is free from power relations and therefore non-political. The module will examine one or more approaches: e.g. those proposed by figures such as Jean-François Lyotard, Jacques Rancière, and Michel Foucault. The significance of work in French epistemology will be taken into account (e.g. that of Gaston Bachelard and Georges Canguilhem), with a view to evaluating the extent to which knowledge always already has a political dimension.

People often say that ‘knowledge is power’ but is it that simple? What is the relation between knowledge and the operation of power really like? This module will explore a variety of ideas about the way knowledge and power are related and will examine how the ideas of philosophers thinking about science and rationality (e.g Gaston Bachelard, Georges Canguilhem, Michel Foucault) shed light on the operation of power and the practice of critique.

The main focus will be on guided independent study within a structured framework, starting from reading and research materials supplied. Week by week students will work through course materials (e.g. notes, readings, tutor videos) that provide the framework and focus for reading key texts and undertaking the specific tasks set. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but students will be expected regularly to interact with fellow students, and tutors, or guest lecturers through the discussion forum.

Jean-François Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge (University of Minnesota Press, 1984).

Jacques Rancière, Disagreement (University of Minnesota Press, 1999).
Michel Foucault, The Essential Works of Foucault 1954-1984 Vol 2 Aesthetics (Penguin, 1998).
Gaston Bachelard, The Formation of the Scientific Mind (Clinamen Press, 2002).
Georges Canguilhem, A Vital Rationalist (Zone Books, 2000).

These indicate the range of texts the module might cover. This is not meant to be a recommended or required book list. Please consult the module tutor for required books

Blackboard
Digital Services
Library.