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INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Module code: PH101
Credits: 5
Semester: 1
Department: PHILOSOPHY
International:

	Overview
	This module introduces students to what philosophy is. In pursuit of that aim, it will outline the main historical eras of philosophy (ancient Greek, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary); distinguish the major subdivisions of the discipline (e.g., Moral Philosophy, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Logic, Philosophical Psychology, Philosophy of Religion) and how they relate to each other; discuss some of the major figures and topics in the history of philosophy; and draw attention to the use of formal logical thinking and the identification of some common logical informal fallacies used in everyday argumentation.

Overview

This module introduces students to what philosophy is. In pursuit of that aim, it will outline the main historical eras of philosophy (ancient Greek, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary); distinguish the major subdivisions of the discipline (e.g., Moral Philosophy, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Logic, Philosophical Psychology, Philosophy of Religion) and how they relate to each other; discuss some of the major figures and topics in the history of philosophy; and draw attention to the use of formal logical thinking and the identification of some common logical informal fallacies used in everyday argumentation.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Identify what Philosophy is and how it is done, and also what philosophy is not and how it should not be done. Distinguish the four major historical eras of Philosophy: ancient Greek, medieval, modern and contemporary. Describe the branches of Philosophy: epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of science, ethics, logic, political philosophy, and philosophy of religion; and relate one branch to another. Debate the principal teachings of certain major philosophers. Present a cogent argument for a position in a philosophical topic and to think issues out for one�s self. Identify some major faults in everyday reasoning, with reference to some common logical informal fallacies. Demonstrate, through addressing the questions set in the final written examination, the ability to select material learned that is relevant to what has been asked in the set examination questions.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 90 minutes

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Philosophy Department.

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Courses / Module

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY