This course is an introduction to philosophy focusing on issues in metaphysics and epistemology. The approach can be either historical or contemporary (or both), but will emphasize diverse philosophical perspectives and have a comparative focus. Basic concepts to be introduced include knowledge and belief, skepticism and dogmatism, relativism and absolutism, and subjectivity and objectivity. The course will encourage critical engagement with philosophical work on such questions as the nature of reality, our knowledge of the external world, and the relationship between our minds and the world. Wherever possible, a comparative perspective will be pursued, pairing texts and theories pertaining to the Western tradition in Philosophy with texts and theories from other traditions, such as the South Asian, East Asian, Islamic, and African traditions. In addition, non-canonical sources will be sought out, including works by women and members of other underrepresented groups in the canon.
