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.

Is Knowledge Impossible?

How does one know that we are not a Brain-in-a-Vat? And how can we know that we are or are not? In this module will explore what kinds of things can, and cannot, motivate skeptical doubt. We will also review the radical skeptical hypotheses, and why we can’t rule it out. We'll conclude by discussing the radical skeptical paradox.

Defending Knowledge

So how does one respond to radical skepticism? In this module we will discuss strategies for responding to the idea that knowledge is impossible. We will also examine the contributions of the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein on the possibility of global rational evaluation.

Skepticism as a Way of Life

What does Skepticism have to do with "the good life"? In this module we will learn from Aristotle, an Ancient philosopher that believed that the good life is a life of virtue. We will explore how intellectual vices and virtues go hand-in-hand with moderate Skepticism.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Highly-rated skepticism course

Learners say this well-structured course gives a comprehensive overview of skepticism. The course imparts critical thinking skills through engaging lectures, panels, and assignments. Students describe the course as enlightening and thought-provoking.

Course develops critical thinking skills

"This course gives a very comprehensive of the topic of skepticism. "

"This is a course that makes you think. It is not an easy course since you have to face many philosophical concepts which seem very detached from daily life."

Interesting lectures, panels, and readings

"I loved the panel discussions a lot!"

"Very good learning experience. Addition of two peer graded essays is also good, because it gives a subjective hold on the topic."

Clear and organized course structure

"Well structured course.Keeps one's mind thinking & critical"

"Excellent course ... Very well structured ... "

Overwhelmingly positive reviews

"Very good course. "

"A great philosophy course."

"Great course, interesting."

Some typographical and transcription errors

"The typographical and transcription errors are very many and are often laughable, e.g. Wittgenstein is transcribed as Vic Einstein."

Peer-graded assignments can create problems

"If I have any worries at all, it's that a lot of the assessment is based on peer marking, which is always likely to create problems, especially with low-traffic courses."

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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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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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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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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