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851-0097-00L 3 Credits DR , DS , MSC D-HEST , D-ARCH , D-BAUG , D-MAVT , D-BIOL , D-ERDW , D-INFK , D-GESS , D-ITET

What Is Knowledge and Under What Conditions Are We Entitled to Claim Knowledge?

Was ist Wissen und wann dürfen wir Wissen beanspruchen?

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Lutz Wingert

Doctoral students can receive credit for the achievements of this course in the section "Transferable Skills".

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:23:30

Abstract

The seminar aims at a clarification of the concept of knowledge, as it is built in our experiential relations to the world. An analysis is needed of the difference between knowledge and belief, of the relation between objectivity and knowledge, and of the role of reasons for having knowledge. Additionally, the legitimacy of different types of knowledge claims should be evaluated.

Objective

On will able to evaluate the arguments pro and con the thesis, that knowledge is justified, true belief. Furthermore, one will gain some insights in the role of reasons for knowledge and in the merits and misgivings of a naturalistic account of knowledge. Finally, one will be a bit more familiar with some theories of philosophical epistemology (e.g. empiricism, rationalism).

General Information

Language: German
Levels: DR , DS , MSC

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Was ist Wissen und wann dürfen wir Wissen beanspruchen?	Thu 12:15-14:00 (HG E 1.2) 08.06 Date 12:15-14:00 (HG F 3)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
- Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
  - Philosophy
- Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
  - D-ARCH
  - D-BIOL
  - D-CHAB
  - D-ERDW
  - D-HEST
  - D-MAVT
  - D-PHYS
History and Philosophy of Knowledge Master
- Basic Courses
  - Lectures and Exercises
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