Knowledge and Reality 2
| Module title | Knowledge and Reality 2 |
|---|---|
| Module code | PHL1002B |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Joel Krueger () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 100 |
|---|
Module description
The aim of this module is to introduce you to core topics in western philosophy. The course will revolve around a number of questions: What is the mind? What is the self? Does God exist? Why is there evil? Are we free? What should we do? How should we live? In considering these questions, you will become acquainted with some of the main historical movements in western philosophy, as well as with basic concepts and theories in core areas of philosophy such as epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, and moral philosophy. No special knowledge is required, but it would be helpful to have attended the first part of this module, Knowledge and Reality 1.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to introduce you to core topics in western philosophy. The course will revolve around a number of questions: What is the mind? What is the self? Does God exist? Why is there evil? Are we free? What should we do? How should we live? In considering these questions, you will become acquainted with some of the main historical movements in western philosophy, as well as with basic concepts and theories in core areas of philosophy such as epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, and moral philosophy.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Become familiar with the major movements in the history of philosophy and a familiarity with the basic concepts and theories in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind and moral philosophy.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 2. Analyze arguments, criticize texts, and write well-argued essays, and question received ideas.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Construct and evaluate ideas, to formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction, to assess and criticize the views of others.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- What is the mind?
- What is the self?
- Does God exist?
- Why is there evil?
- Are we free?
- What should we do?
How should we live?
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27.5 | 122.5 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 27.5 | 11 x 2.5 hours per week comprising of lectures and seminars |
| Guided Independent study | 122.5 | Private study time |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar presentation | One 5 minute report on some aspect of the topic under discussion | 1,2,3 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 1,500 words | 1,2,3 | Written |
| Examination | 50 | 1 hour | 1,2,3 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (1,500 words) | 1,2,3 | August/September reassessment period |
| Examination | Examination (1 hour) | 1,2,3 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
René Descartes (1641), Meditation VI, Meditations on First Philosophy.
Hilary Putnam (1981), Chapter 1 of Reason, Truth, and History, “Brains in a Vat”
David Hume (1739), excerpt from A Treatise of Human Nature.
Jean-Paul Sartre (1943), “Patterns of Bad Faith”, from Being and Nothingness.
Genevieve Lloyd (1979), “The Man of Reason”, Metaphilosophy, 10, 18-37.
Saint Anselm of Canterbury (1077-1078), chapters 1-4 from The Proslogion.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – vle.exeter.ac.uk
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2005 |
| Last revision date | 29/04/2022 |
