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In this class, we'll explore one of the starting points of epistemology (the study of knowledge), namely the question of whether we can know anything.

This is a question that great philosophers throughout history have wrestled with. Among the philosophers who have pushed back against skepticism—that is, the position that we cannot know anything—none stands out more boldly than René Descartes (1596-1650). We'll examine Descartes' iconic attempt to find a firm foundation—one known with certainty—on which to ground all knowledge. We'll also examine some objections to Descartes' project, especially a classic objection stemming from David Hume (1711-1776). 

To understand these philosophers' views, we'll read, analyze, and discuss selected passages from their texts. (No need to bring any texts or other materials; I'll have all the passages prepared on a slideshow.) As some of these passages are challenging, I'll be walking everyone through them with some lecture to make sure we're all understanding. There will, however, be plenty of pauses for discussion, especially when it comes to evaluating the philosophers' views at hand and working out our own views.