This course is a part of HF's PhD week.
The course addresses key issues in the theories of knowledge and invites PhD candidates to engage in conversations across disciplinary boundaries. In plenary and groups, we will discuss what knowledge is, what kind of knowledge scholars in the humanities establish, and whether we share a joint theoretical foundation despite being influenced by impulses from many fields and academic traditions. We will also discuss in what ways knowledge-production in the humanities matter, and to what/whom, including its relevance for contemporary societal processes to which scholars are expected to contribute. The purpose is to strengthen candidates’ basis for discussing and reflecting on their own practices of knowledge-production and those of their peers.
This is a 1 ECTS course.
Course preparations
Course participants will read about 100 pages of required readings and supplement this with about 100 pages of their own choice. Participants will write a brief (1 page) text outlining an issue in the theories of science that they find particularly important for themselves and a brief (2 pages, plus bibliography) essay discussing in what ways the candidate’s contributions to knowledge matter and is relevant for contemporary society. The two texts, with references and bibliography, should be uploaded to the digital course site by 10th May.
Examples of issues frequently addressed:
- What is the meaning and significance of context for knowledge in my field?
- On the nature and status of disciplines in the humanities.
- What are the characteristic objects of knowledge in my discipline?
- If knowledge is not the (only) aim, then what (else) is the humanities for?
- On the relations between quantitative and qualitative inquiry.
- Is knowledge in my discipline cumulative and progressive?
- What is the significance of objectivity, and how is that value integrated in my work?
- In what sense, and to what extent, might inquiry in the humanities be autonomous from other fields of knowledge?
- What is the significance of post-humanism for the humanities?
- On the social relevance of the humanities
In class
Your reflections will be the starting points for our discussions—in groups and plenary. Everyone is expected to read all essay’s submitted by the other course participants.
Professor of philosophy Bjørn Ramberg, IFIKK, will facilitate the discussions.
Language
The course language is English, including reading responses and essays.
Required readings
List of required readings (pdf)
Registration
The course is full.
Course Convenors
Professor Bjørn Ramberg, IFIKK
Professor Hanne Hagtvedt Vik, IAKH/Head of researcher training at HF
Administrative contact: Sarah Salameh