| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This two-year Joint Masters Degree in Philosophy: Knowledge and Society examines the societal implications of knowledge and information in the 21st century. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students gain a comprehensive understanding of knowledge production, circulation, and impact, preparing them for careers in academia, government, journalism, and other fields where expertise in knowledge management is crucial. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and communication skills, as well as intercultural competence and cross-cultural exchange of ideas.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Joint Masters Degree in Philosophy: Knowledge and Society is a two-year program designed to critically examine the challenges related to acquiring, distributing, exchanging, and preserving knowledge and information in contemporary society. The program emphasizes the study of social values, ethics, and the philosophical underpinnings of knowledge creation and dissemination within a globalized context.
Objectives:
- Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the societal implications of knowledge and information in the 21st century.
- Foster critical thinking skills to analyze the ethical, political, and social dimensions of information access, dissemination, and utilization.
- Develop research and communication skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders on issues related to knowledge production and circulation. The program allows students to specialize in different areas of knowledge and information, including ethics, politics, law, science, and technology.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a diverse range of topics related to knowledge and society, including:
- Epistemology: Theories of knowledge, justification, and belief.
- Social Epistemology: The social dimensions of knowledge, including the role of power, trust, and social networks in knowledge production and circulation.
- Philosophy of Science: The nature of scientific knowledge, its methods, and its impact on society.
- Philosophy of Technology: The ethical, social, and political implications of technological advancements in the information age.
- Knowledge Management: Strategies for managing and disseminating knowledge effectively in organizations and societies.
Structure:
The program consists of four semesters spread across two years. The first semester provides a foundational overview of key issues in knowledge and society. Subsequent semesters focus on specific areas of specialization chosen by the student based on their individual interests and career aspirations. Each semester includes a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research.
Course Schedule:
- Semester 1: Overview of Knowledge and Society
- Semester 2: Specialization Track 1: Knowledge, Language, and Logic (offered at the University of Barcelona) or Specialization Track 2: Knowledge, Metaphysics, and Science (offered at the University of Cologne)
- Semester 3: Specialization Track 3A: Knowledge in the European Context (offered at the University of Luxembourg) or Specialization Track 3B: Knowledge, Morality, and Politics (offered at Free University Amsterdam)
- Semester 4: Dissertation
Individual Modules:
The program offers a wide range of modules covering various aspects of knowledge and society. Here are some examples:
- Epistemology A: Explores fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge, justification, and belief.
- Philosophical Methodology: Introduces students to different methods and approaches used in philosophical inquiry.
- Philosophy Research Methods A: Develops research skills necessary for conducting philosophical research.
- The Nature of Language: Investigates the philosophical foundations of language, its structure, and function.
- Metaphysics and Epistemology: Explores the relationship between knowledge and reality, investigating the nature of existence, truth, and objectivity.
- Traditions in Epistemology: Analyzes different historical and contemporary approaches to knowledge, including skepticism, empiricism, rationalism, and postmodernism.
- Knowledge, Science & Society: Examines the social and historical context of scientific knowledge production, its impact on society, and the ethical implications of scientific advancements.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Essays: Students write essays on a range of topics related to the course content, demonstrating their understanding and critical thinking skills.
- Presentations: Students deliver presentations based on their research, showcasing their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. However, common criteria include:
- Depth of understanding: Demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of the relevant concepts and theories.
- Critical analysis: Engaging in critical analysis of arguments, evidence, and perspectives.
- Originality: Presenting original ideas and insights based on independent research.
- Clarity and coherence: Communicating ideas clearly, effectively, and in a well-organized manner.
- Effective referencing and citation: Using appropriate scholarly sources and adhering to academic referencing standards.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active engagement. These methods include:
- Interactive lectures: Lectures are designed to facilitate discussions and encourage students to ask questions and actively participate in the learning process.
- Seminars: Small group seminars provide a space for in-depth discussion and analysis of course materials, fostering critical thinking and debate.
- Workshops: Hands-on workshops allow students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems and develop practical skills.
- Independent research: Students are encouraged to conduct independent research, developing their research skills and exploring their individual interests.
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of internationally recognized scholars with expertise in various areas of philosophy, knowledge management, and information studies. The faculty brings a wealth of experience and research expertise to create a stimulating and intellectually enriching learning environment.
Unique Approaches:
The program utilizes various unique approaches to enhance student learning and engagement, including:
- Mobility periods: Students study at four different partner universities throughout the program, experiencing diverse academic environments and cultural perspectives.
- Individualized supervision: Students benefit from personalized guidance from academic supervisors throughout their studies, ensuring they receive the support needed to achieve their full potential.
- Dissertation research opportunities: The dissertation project allows students to explore their research interests in depth and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their chosen field.
Careers:
Career Paths:
The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in various sectors, including:
- Academia: Graduates can pursue research and teaching positions in universities and other research institutions.
- Government and Policy Analysis: Graduates can work in government agencies, think tanks, and policy organizations, analyzing and advising on policy issues related to information, knowledge management, and ethics.
- Journalism: Graduates can pursue careers in journalism, contributing to informed public discourse on critical issues related to knowledge and information in the digital age.
- Other fields: The program's interdisciplinary nature also opens doors for careers in areas like law, education, librarianship, and cultural institutions.
Opportunities:
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths and make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields.
- The program emphasizes the importance of developing students' intercultural competence, fostering sensitivity to diverse perspectives and promoting cross-cultural exchange of ideas.
- The program actively encourages student participation in conferences, workshops, and other academic events, providing opportunities to network with professionals in the field and present their research findings.
Conclusion:
This Joint Masters Degree in Philosophy: Knowledge and Society offers a unique and comprehensive educational experience for students interested in exploring the complex relationship between knowledge, information, and society. The program's interdisciplinary curriculum, international mobility opportunities, and focus on critical thinking and research skills equip graduates with the necessary tools to excel in a variety of professional settings and contribute meaningfully to addressing the challenges and opportunities of the knowledge-driven society.
Tuition fees for 2024-25 IntM UK Full-time fee: £9000 International & EU Full-time fee: £18060 The EU/EEA fee value reflects the difference in fee status at the EU partners in the programme consortium. The fees listed here cover tuition only. As the programme contains various mobility periods, students (funded and self-funded) will need to cover their own airfares between each chosen partner. Deposits All applicants are required to pay a deposit of £1000 within four weeks of an offer being made.
