Power and Knowledge

This module aims to critically analyse the epistemological ideologies that underpin our current structures within society. Students will examine the historical and philosophical evolution of social institutions like education, health, media, politics, economics to their current contemporary form, and how they relate to themes of race, gender and disability. Students will also explore social theories pertaining to epistemic injustice as well as the moral and ethical consequences of various paradigms of knowledge.  Through an intersectional approach, students will engage with an understanding and critique of various forms of standpoint epistemology, and engage with issues of decolonization, power and knowledge, including the possibility of epistemic relativism as a tool of tyranny.

1. Critically analyse what is understood by ‘fact’ and how it relates to ‘meaning’ and ‘value’ within Western epistemology and ethics.

2. Critically analyse issues connected with decolonization, indigeneity, knowledge and power, and how they might conflict with approaches to decisnormatization and human rights.

3. Demonstrate the ability and confidence to articulate an internalized personal world view based on a solid epistemic footing, rooted in an intersectional understanding of contemporary issues of knowledge and power.

4. Develop an effective critique of the contemporary debates around science, rationality and what constitutes ‘evidence’.

5. Design and co-create activities to survey and assess the intersectional impact of issues of power and knowledge.