PHI-20016 - Module Specification
School of Social, Political and Global Studies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completions of level 4 modules or permission of module convener.

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

This module introduces students to fundamental issues in epistemology and metaphysics through the study of key thinkers in the history of philosophy such as Descartes, Locke and Berkeley. We will consider the fundamental assumtpions which govern rationalism and empiricism as well as the debate between realism and idealism in its early modern form. Individual topics include: Descartes and external world scepticism, Locke's critique of innatism, Berkeley's argument for immaterialism.
The module consists of 15 one-hour lectures and 5 one hour seminars. The seminars will be student led and consist of group presentations.
The final module mark is based upon the following: group presentation (25%); essay (75%)

To introduce the theories of 17th and 18th century philosophers and apply them to traditional philosophical debates such as the debates between rationalism and empiricism, realism and idealism.
To enable students to recognize changes to the methodology of philosophy that occurred in the 17th and 18th century and relate them to contemporary positions and concerns.

Intended Learning Outcomes

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Study hours

15 hours attendance at lectures
5 hours attendance at seminars
40 hours preparation for seminars
50 hours researching and writing essay
40 hours independent research

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment