Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Successful completions of level 4 modules or permission of module convener.
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%)
Aims
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.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phi-20016/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
15 hours attendance at lectures5 hours attendance at seminars40 hours preparation for seminars50 hours researching and writing essay40 hours independent research
Description of Module Assessment
1: Essay weighted 100%One 2000 word essay chosen from a list of questions.2,000 word essay chosen from a list of titles from the module guide