TRS6012 - The Self in Contemporary Philosophy

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate detailed understanding of a range of ways philosophers have responded to traditional conceptions of the self and the person;
Critically compare and evaluate different philosophical challenges to pre-twentieth-century ideas of the self and personhood;
Identify specific philosophical responses that open up new avenues of inquiry;
Identify and plan a research topic of suitable range and scope, conduct appropriate independent research into that topic, and present the research findings clearly and precisely.

Content:

The module introduces students to contemporary issues in the philosophy of self and the nature of the person. The module explores developments in the philosophy of identity and selfhood and their relation to a range of approaches since the early twentieth-century. During this period a range of intellectual developments, such as psychoanalysis, analytical philosophy, Continental philosophy, and consciousness studies, have challenged the coherence and consistency of the self and its ability to act as a source of autonomy and agency. The module will explore some of this range and possible additional approaches in asking whether the self is a concept that still has validity?

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning will be supported through introductory plenary sessions and workshops, particularly in the initial stages of the module. These will include a variety of teaching techniques, such as lectures, student report back/presentations, intensive work on exemplar set texts and group exercises. These taught sessions will focus on skills of searching for, identifying, evaluating and analysing appropriate sources. Research and essay writing aspects will be addressed within the module and particular attention will be given to consideration of structure, pitch, and impact for presentations.

Workshops/seminars
Hours: 32
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 178

Further details relating to assessment
Oral Presentation: this assess the ability to identify an independent research project of appropriate scope and to conduct independent research, presenting findings in a suitable presentation format.
Essay: this assesses comprehension of significant analyses of the nature and value of contemporary philosophies of the self and the person.

Assessment:

001 Presentation; 15 mins; mid semester 1 50%
002 Essay; 2,000 words; end of semester 1 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Josh Poklad
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6S1

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