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PHI-20021 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

PHI-20021 - Knowledge and Reality
Coordinator: Sophie Allen Tel: +44 1782 7 33364
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Questions concerning knowledge and reality strike at the heart of the philosophical enterprise, as they are some of the most fundamental questions that have occurred to us as human beings. As such, epistemology (the study of knowledge) and metaphysics (the study of reality) are the two central areas of philosophy. This module gives an opportunity to study key contemporary debates that touch on the most fundamental questions about our world and what we can know about it. Informed by the latest scholarship, we will reflect on such questions as: What is time? What is causation? What is knowledge, and how do we get it? You will be able to critically assess these and other important philosophical topics, and encouraged to develop your own personal views.

Aims
The course aims:
1) To give students a deeper grounding the two central areas of philosophy: metaphysics and epistemology
2) To develop core study skills, including writing and research, as well as developing some key employability skills

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phi-20021/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Analyse and critically assess key approaches in metaphysics and epistemology: 1,2
Explain some of the central debates in metaphysics and epistemology: 1,2
Develop and defend views regarding debates in metaphysics and epistemology: 1
Write about philosophical issues in metaphysics and epistemology with clarity and precision: 1,2
Summarise and analyse key readings from metaphysics and epistemology: 1,2

Study hours

Active Learning:
12 hours attendance at lectures
12 hours attendance at seminars
Independent study:
60 hours directed study and preparation for seminars, using online resources provided by the module leader.
30 hours study and preparation for reader report assessment
36 hours study and preparation for essay assessment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 50%
1,500 word essay
Students will write a 1500-word essay, with the title chosen from a list of questions provided, on a topic from the module.

2: Exercise weighted 50%
1,500 word reader report
Students summarize and criticize the argument from one academic article chosen from a list covering different topics from the first part of the course. As part of this (20% of the available marks) exercise, students will be required to assess the accuracy of an AI summary of the same article.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026