The Department of Philosophy at the University of Prince Edward Island invites applications for the position of Sessional Instructor for the 2024 Winter semester. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Please note: the course offered below will be taught in person, unless otherwise specified as an online course.

PHIL-2090/3090 – Special Topics: Knowledge, Truth and Skepticism

The rise of social media and the deceptive capability of artificial intelligence systems make it increasingly important for us to understand what it is to know something, and how we justify our knowledge claims, both in science and in everyday life. This course will introduce students to epistemology -- the branch of philosophy where people try to answer these fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge, along with related questions such as:  What different kinds of knowledge are there?  Are there different ways of knowing?  What is truth?  ... and what access (if any) do we have to it?  What is objectivity ... and is it possible?   What is the relationship between knowledge and power?  What reasoning has led some people to embrace skepticism, the view that we do not or cannot really know anything?  What are the limits of human knowledge?  Readings will include excerpts from the work of classical, contemporary, feminist and Indigenous philosophers. The course will be simultaneously offered at both an introductory level (2090), and, for more advanced philosophy students, at an advanced level (3090), with additional readings and assignment requirements. 

Lectures: Three hours a week
Class meeting times: Thursdays 7 to 9:45 pm

Qualifications:

• Successful applicants will have a Ph.D. in Philosophy
• Previous teaching experience will be an asset
• Publications focused on the following areas will be an asset. 1) Epistemology or related fields, and/or 2) The teaching of philosophy, particularly in the area of epistemology or critical thinking.

Preference will be given to the qualified candidates with seniority on the UPEI Sessional Roster and full-time and term contract Faculty Members of the Academic unit.

Application Instructions: 

Applicants should submit a letter of application, updated curriculum vitae, a brief sample course syllabus, and the names of three references to:

Dr. Pamela Courtenay–Hall, Assoc. Prof. and Chair
Department of Philosophy
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3
Tel: (902) 894-2838 or 566-0331
pcourtenay@upei.ca

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Closing date for applications is June 27, 2023.