Skepticism from Coursera

Skepticism is about doubt, and doubt is everywhere in the world around us today. There are doubts about whether man-made climate change is real, whether vaccinations are harmful, whether we can trust our politicians or our media, and so on. When is such skepticism warranted, and when does it stray into unreasonable territory? How widespread can such skepticism get while still being coherent? How might a radical skepticism have pernicious social consequences, such as by leading to relativism (and just what is relativism, and what is problematic about it)?

These are all questions that we will be engaging with in this course Along the way we will consider some important philosophical issues, such as what the nature of knowledge is, whether there are any good arguments that show that knowledge is impossible, and how a moderate skepticism might accord with an ancient conception of the good life of human flourishing, one that essentially involves the intellectual virtues.

This course is aimed at anyone who is interested in learning more about philosophy, along with those who are looking for strategies to combat extremism in their communities. Using these approaches, no matter what your skill levels in topics you would like to master, you can change your thinking and change your life.

In this course, learners will:

Explore the concept of Skepticism

Discuss the role of Skepticism in contemporary society

Identify common responses to Skepticism

Compare/Contrast various forms of Skepticism

Apply knowledge of Skepticism to form a personal stance

Recognize why knowledge is more than just true belief

What's inside

Syllabus

What is Skepticism?

We will begin this course by exploring the nature of Skepticism through an investigation of foundational concepts of truth and knowledge. We'll also discuss how current issues in public debate (climate change denial, fake news etc) trade on Skepticism; but how a moderate skepticism can also be a force for good.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines skepticism in a contemporary context, making this highly relevant for navigating debates around fake news, climate change, and more

Taught by a professor recognized for their work in philosophy

Develops intellectual virtues and explores the good life, which is useful for personal growth and development

Covers both radical and moderate skepticism, offering a balanced perspective on the topic

Requires extensive background knowledge in philosophy, which may pose a barrier for some learners

Does not provide hands-on labs or interactive materials

Reviews summary

Philosophy of skepticism: concepts & relevance

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience for those interested in the philosophy of skepticism. Students highlight the way the course connects complex philosophical ideas to contemporary issues like climate change and fake news, making the content feel relevant and engaging. Many find the lectures clear and easy to follow, providing a solid introduction to skeptical concepts and historical figures like Aristotle and Wittgenstein. While some deeper topics are touched upon, it is generally perceived as accessible for beginners. The course is seen as presenting a balanced view, distinguishing between moderate and radical skepticism.

Pacing and required readings are reasonable.

"The amount of material and reading felt very manageable for an online course, allowing me to engage deeply with the concepts."

"I completed the course successfully alongside other commitments; the workload was fair."

"The lectures and supplemental materials provided were just right, not overwhelming."

"The course structure made it easy to keep up with the content week by week."

Explores moderate vs radical skepticism effectively.

"The course did a great job of showing that skepticism isn't just about radical doubt but also how moderate skepticism can be beneficial."

"I liked that the course distinguished between destructive skepticism and a healthy, critical approach."

"It offers a nuanced view on skepticism and its role in society and personal life."

"Understanding the difference between warranted and unreasonable skepticism was a key takeaway for me."

Explores core concepts and thinkers like Aristotle.

"The course delves into classic philosophical questions, such as the nature of knowledge and the Brain-in-a-Vat scenario, in a very interesting way."

"I particularly enjoyed the module connecting skepticism to ancient philosophy and the concept of the good life through Aristotle."

"The exploration of Wittgenstein's ideas added a valuable layer to the discussion on responding to radical skepticism."

"It covers key philosophical arguments and responses effectively."

A good starting point for philosophical skepticism.

"This course provided an excellent introduction to the fundamental concepts of philosophical skepticism. Great for beginners."

"As someone new to philosophy, I found this course very accessible and a good entry point into the topic of doubt and knowledge."

"It's a good survey course covering key areas of skepticism without requiring prior philosophical knowledge."

"I feel like I have a much better grasp of skepticism after taking this course."

Content connects philosophy to current real-world issues.

"Connecting skepticism to current events like climate change denial and fake news made the course feel incredibly relevant and timely."

"The discussions on applying skeptical thinking to modern social issues were particularly engaging and thought-provoking."

"It was great to see how these ancient philosophical ideas still have such direct relevance to today's world."

"I enjoyed the course's focus on how skepticism plays out in public debate today."

Instructor makes complex philosophical ideas accessible.

"The explanation of philosophical ideas was very clear and easy to follow. The instructor did an excellent job of breaking down concepts."

"I appreciated how the professor simplified difficult topics without losing their depth. It made the material much more understandable."

"The instructor's lectures were particularly clear in explaining the various forms of skepticism we discussed."

"I found the explanations in this course very helpful for understanding skepticism for the first time."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Skepticism with these activities:

Review of Philosophy of Knowledge

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Before beginning this course it is important that you familiarize yourself with some of the foundational concepts of philosophy that will be discussed in this course.

Browse courses on Epistemology

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Review your lecture notes or textbook from an introductory philosophy course.
Read a short article or two about the philosophy of knowledge.
Summarize the main points of the article(s).

Cognitive Biases and Fallacies

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Cognitive biases are very common errors in our thinking, and we are more likely to fall prey to them when we are tired, stressed, or emotional. Understanding cognitive biases will help you to be more skeptical of your own thoughts.

Browse courses on Cognitive Biases

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Find a tutorial on cognitive biases.
Watch the tutorial.
Take notes on the key points.

Skeptical Quiz

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Practice drills can improve your ability to recall and apply information from this course.

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Find a Skepticism quiz.
Take the quiz.
Review your results.

Five other activities

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Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

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Meditations offers a series of exercises in Stoic philosophy, a philosophical approach that emphasizes Skepticism as a way of life.

View Meditations: A New Translation on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes.
Reflect on the ideas presented.
Apply the principles of Stoicism to your own life.

Skeptical Discussion Group

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Peer group meetings provide an opportunity to discuss Skepticism with other students and gather new insights.

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Find a study partner or group.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Share your thoughts and ideas.

Practice of Skepticism in Social Media

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Completing this project will help you to synthesize your knowledge of Skepticism and assess your skeptical habits.

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Choose a social media platform and track your habits.
Reflect on how you evaluate information and sources.
Apply skeptical strategies to your online behavior.

Theories of Knowledge

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Knowledge is an important but complex concept that is central to Skepticism. Doing research on different theories of knowledge will contribute to your understanding of how Skepticism is possible.

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Find scholarly articles about different theories of knowledge.
Read the articles and take notes.
Write a short paper comparing and contrasting the different theories.

Skeptical Thinking and Analysis Essay

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Writing an essay will help you to develop your analytical and argumentative skills to support a reasonable stance on Skepticism.

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Choose a topic related to Skepticism.
Research and gather evidence.
Develop a clear thesis statement.
Write a well-organized and supported essay.

Career center

Learners who complete Skepticism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Philosopher

Philosophers study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. By studying Skepticism and its implications, one can develop critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the nature of truth, making them well-suited for a career as a Philosopher.

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Theologian

Theology deals with the nature of the divine and religious beliefs. Skepticism is a key concept in studying religion as it prompts us to question the nature of faith and belief. This course could provide a foundation for a career as a Theologian.

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Epistemologist

Epistemologists explore the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired. The course 'Skepticism' would provide a solid foundation for a career in Epistemology by exploring the limits of knowledge.

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Historian

A Historian examines past events and analyzes their causes and effects. Skepticism plays a crucial role in historical research, as it encourages questioning sources and examining different perspectives, skills essential for a successful Historian.

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Lawyer

Lawyers analyze legal documents, advise clients, and represent them in court. Skepticism is essential in the legal field as it encourages critical thinking and the ability to evaluate evidence and arguments objectively.

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Teacher

Teachers impart knowledge and skills to students. Given that skepticism is often used to challenge and question established beliefs, this course 'Skepticism' would provide valuable insights for a career in teaching.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior. Skepticism is a valuable tool for Psychologists as it encourages them to question assumptions and consider alternative explanations for behavior.

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Journalist

Journalists investigate and report on current events and issues. Skepticism is an essential quality for Journalists as it helps them to critically evaluate sources and information before reporting.

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Sociologist

A Sociologist studies human societies and their interactions. Skepticism would be useful in developing a critical understanding of social structures and institutions, providing valuable insights for a career in Sociology.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Skepticism may be useful to challenge assumptions about economic models and theories, aiding in the development of more robust economic policies.

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Scientist

Scientists conduct research and develop theories to explain natural phenomena. Skepticism encourages Scientists to question existing theories and seek evidence to support or refute them, which is crucial for scientific progress.

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Politician

Politicians make decisions that affect the public. Skepticism may be useful in this field as it encourages Politicians to critically evaluate policies and consider their potential consequences before making decisions.

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Writer

Writers create written content for various purposes. Skepticism can help Writers develop a critical eye for their own work and the work of others, leading to more thoughtful and well-crafted writing.

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Editor

Editors review, correct, and improve written content. Skepticism may aid Editors in critically evaluating the accuracy and clarity of written works, ensuring high-quality content.

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