TRS4512 - Introduction to Philosophy: Questions and Concepts

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the broad outline of the history of philosophy and an ability to discern and discuss patterns within it
Demonstrate an understanding of foundational philosophical concepts that might structure and sequence those historical patterns
Analyse and comment on the comparative significance and value of these foundational concepts
Demonstrate ability to construct and defend philosophical arguments and positions

Content:

This module is the first in a strand of core philosophy provision and it develops ideas and frameworks that will be picked up in TRS 5412 Modern Philosophy: Mind, Self and World. The material provided for discussion and consideration will be selected so as to provide grounding for TRS 5412. The main focus will be historical debates about the material or immaterial basis of the mind and the nature of personhood. Typically, these debates will be reflected through extended consideration of a single text, considered both in terms of its own internal position and its engagement with counter arguments. Through consideration of such historical debates, the module provides an introduction to the history, questions and concepts of philosophy. Students will be assessed on their ability both to place philosophical issues in a general historical framework, but also to assess ways in which philosophical problems can also transcend and complicate such historical frameworks. The module includes:

- Selected episodes from the history of western philosophy, from Platonic to early modern philosophy, looking at historical definitions of philosophy, such as, for example, its essential basis in mind or in the physical body, in order to provide a conceptual basis for such areas as epistemology, logic, philosophy of mind and aesthetics. - Exploration of how philosophical movements often reflect upon and engage in comparative analysis and re-evaluation of these historical traditions.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be taught in plenary sessions which will make use of a blend of teaching and learning methods. These will normally include: lecture-style presentations by the tutor or visiting lecturers; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity will be given; and learning will be supported where appropriate by VLE and other electronic resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module; and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans and feedback on submitted work.

Lecture
Hours: 20

Seminar, group work, tutorial, etc
Hours: 20

Guided Independent Learning
Hours: 160
Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

Assessment:

001 Directed activities semester 2 10%
002 Essay 1 x 2000 words mid semester 2 45%
003 Presentation 10 mins end of semester 2 45%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Nathan Uglow
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

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