Theory of Knowledge I: The Foundations of Epistemology
Description
A 6-Week Online Course
This course introduces the theory of knowledge (epistemology) through a structured study of knowledge, science, and intellectual cognition in classical and modern philosophy, with particular attention to the Islamic philosophical tradition. The course examines what it means to know, how knowledge is formed, and what grounds its truth and certainty.
Students begin by exploring the distinction between knowledge and science, the roles of theory and hypothesis, and the subject matter and aims of epistemology. Historical perspectives are developed through surveys of epistemological thought in general philosophy and Islamic philosophy, alongside close engagement with foundational texts such as Plato’s Theaetetus and the classical tripartite definition of knowledge. Questions of truth, justification, and cognitive reliability are addressed, including early modern contributions, most notably those of John Locke.
The latter part of the course turns to the metaphysical foundations of knowledge, examining the definition and divisions of science, mental existence (al-wujūd al-dhihnī), competing theories of cognition, and philosophical objections and responses. The course culminates in an exploration of the immateriality of knowledge and the unity of intellect, intellector, and intelligible, integrating epistemology with metaphysics.
By the end of the course, students will have gained a coherent framework for understanding knowledge and its philosophical foundations, equipping them for further study in philosophy and related intellectual traditions.
Theory of Knowledge I (6 Weeks)
Foundations of Epistemology
Week 1 — Knowledge and Science
Reading: Chapter One
Week 2 — Theory and Hypothesis
Reading: Chapters Two–Three
Week 3 — The Subject of Epistemology
Reading: Chapter Five
Week 4 — The History of Epistemology
Reading: Chapters Six–Seven
Week 5 — What Is Knowledge?
Reading: Chapter Eight (Theaetetus)
Week 6 — Knowledge, Truth, and Justification
Reading: Chapters Nine–Eleven
Texts
The primary text for the course is an English translation by the instructor of Dr. Akram Almajid’s Philosophical Investigations, Part Two: Theory of Knowledge, currently being prepared for publication. The work serves as the central framework for the course, guiding our study of epistemological questions through a systematic and philosophically rigorous presentation rooted in the Islamic philosophical tradition.
Prerequisites
No prior background in philosophy, Islamic studies, or Arabic is required. The course is designed for beginners while remaining intellectually rigorous and conceptually precise.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Identify the foundational questions and problems addressed in theories of knowledge
Understand key epistemological concepts such as knowledge, certainty, doubt, perception, intellect, and demonstration
Analyze how knowledge is classified, acquired, and justified within philosophical traditions
Explain the relationship between epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophical theology
Engage translated philosophical texts with clarity, precision, and confidence
Readings
Assigned readings are drawn primarily from the course textbook and are to be completed prior to each class session. Reading selections are calibrated to support comprehension and guided discussion rather than technical specialization.
Class Structure
Each class meets for ninety minutes, with approximately fifty minutes devoted to structured lecture and forty minutes to discussion and questions. Lectures are designed to build progressively, ensuring continuity and conceptual grounding across the eight-week course.
Q&A Protocol
Students may submit questions during class via Zoom’s chat function or “raise hand” feature. Questions may be addressed during the lecture when appropriate or reserved for the discussion portion of the session.
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Course Details
Instructor: Professor Mukhtar Ali
Dates: to be announced
Day: -
Time: -
US- Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: Online
Tuition: Early Registration: $195
Standard Rate: $225
How to Register
To enroll, click the Register button below and complete the online checkout process. Once registration is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email with access details and course information.