Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course students will be able to:
• Identify similarities and differences in different uses of self–refutation arguments.
• Critically assess whether metaphysical conclusions can be drawn from selfrefutation arguments.
• Describe and assess the role of self–refutation arguments in this history of philosophy
Indicative Module Content:
Throughout the history of philosophy, the charge has often been made that a given position is “self–refuting” or that it cannot be coherently thought or stated. Such a criticism is often made, for example, against certain forms of relativism; but it is also made by Berkeley against the “realism” he opposes, as well as by critics of Kant, who claim it is “self–refuting” for him to hold that we can know nothing about things “as they are in themselves”.
Some of the readings we will look at will attempt to articulate the structure of selfrefutation arguments; others either use such arguments against others or defend themselves against the charge that their own position is self–refuting. The topic is a large one and runs throughout the history of philosophy; which readings we focus will, I hope, be determined to some extent by student interest.