Decision Theory, with Applications to Epistemology (Leuven 2009; Postgrad): an introductory overview of classical decision theory, some of the associated difficulties and the potential points of contact with epistemology (Pascal's Wager, decision-theoretic accounts of acceptance,...).
▪ Syllabus (pdf)
▪ Formal Skills Assignment (pdf)
Here
are some of the courses that I have taught/convened
over the past couple of years.
Darwin in Philosophy (Glasgow 2008; Senior Undergrad / Postgrad): an overview of various points of contact between evolutionary theory and philosophy, with some basic philosophy of biology thrown in. Covers various evolutionary approaches to mind, epistemology and ethics.
▪ Syllabus (pdf)
▪ Lecture slides (pdf, 2-up): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
Belief & Inquiry (Glasgow 2008; Senior Undergrad / Postgrad): an introduction to the literature on degrees of belief and the rational constraints thereon, with a focus on the Bayesian literature. The aim was to provide the student with basic tools to engage with some of the more formal work in contemporary epistemology and philosophy of science.
▪ Syllabus (pdf)
▪ Lecture slides (pdf, 4-up): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
▪ Problem sets, with solutions: set #1, set #2. (not available atm)
Metaphysics (Glasgow 2007; Postgrad): a seminar-based course in metaphysics, co-taught with Nikk Effingham.
▪ Syllabus (pdf)
Metaphysics I - The Nature of Being (Birkbeck 2006; Junior Undergrad): an introduction to some key issues in metaphysics, covering universals, substances, modality, causation, laws of nature, etc.
▪ Syllabus (pdf)
▪ Lecture slides (pdf, 4-up): 1, 2, 3, 4 (+ supplement), 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
Some bits and pieces that students may find useful...
Resources pertaining to study/writing skills: reading and writing philosophy (zip of various pdfs tips taken from the web), elements of style (zipped pdf of Strunk's classic piece).
Critical thinking basics: Joe Lau's critical thinking miniguide.
EpistemeLinks have a nifty list of student - both grad and undergrad -journals here. Get publishing!
Raised and educated in Toulouse, France I moved to the UK in 1995 to take a degree in linguistics at King's College Cambridge, followed by a masters in philosophy of cognitive science at the University of Sussex and a PhD in Philosophy at King's College London.
Immediately prior to taking up my current position at KU Leuven, I was a Visiting Research Fellow at the CPNSS, London School of Economics, a Sessional Lecturer at Birkbeck College and a Lecturer at the University of Glasgow.
My research focuses on epistemology, philosophy of mind and philosophy of science (esp. confirmation theory and philosophy of biology).
My philosophical ancestry: C.H. Weisse > H. Lotze > J. Ward > G. E. Moore > C. Lewy > I. Hacking > D. Papineau > me. [-]