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UNIQUE ANIMALS? ANTHROPOLOGICAL CONCEPTS IN PHILOSOPHY

Module code: PH205
Credits: 5
Semester: 2
Department: PHILOSOPHY
International:

	Overview
	This module introduces students to the study of the human being in philosophy with special focus on the twentieth century and some important developments in the twentieth first century. Using different thinkers as �case studies� it examines some major philosophical responses to the question �What is a human being?� in relation to other animals (Max Scheler), the role of meaning (Ernst Cassirer), its own existence and freedom (Albert Camus), the role of history and social context for our self-understanding (Simone de Beauvoir, bell hooks, Achille Mbembe), the transhumanist movement (Michael Hauskeller) and AI (John Searle). Our focus will be on the questions as to whether there is anything unique about the human way of existing, the role of our �biological make-up�, if it still make sense to have a universalising approach in the face of diversity and on-going discrimination, and the potential for and challenges to human existence through technological development.

Overview

This module introduces students to the study of the human being in philosophy with special focus on the twentieth century and some important developments in the twentieth first century. Using different thinkers as �case studies� it examines some major philosophical responses to the question �What is a human being?� in relation to other animals (Max Scheler), the role of meaning (Ernst Cassirer), its own existence and freedom (Albert Camus), the role of history and social context for our self-understanding (Simone de Beauvoir, bell hooks, Achille Mbembe), the transhumanist movement (Michael Hauskeller) and AI (John Searle). Our focus will be on the questions as to whether there is anything unique about the human way of existing, the role of our �biological make-up�, if it still make sense to have a universalising approach in the face of diversity and on-going discrimination, and the potential for and challenges to human existence through technological development.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: describe and evaluate the different concepts of the human being discussed in the module recount the different responses of early 20th-century thought (e.g. Scheler, Heidegger, and Cassirer) to the traditional concepts of the human being; evaluate the different responses to the question as to whether there is a unique human way of existence; critically discuss the transhumanist movement; identify the roles of creativity, freedom, and self-responsibility in the different anthropological concepts.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes Autumn Supplemental Examination: Submission of a repeat final essay, continuous assessment will be carried forward. Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? Written permission from Department Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

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UNIQUE ANIMALS? ANTHROPOLOGICAL CONCEPTS IN PHILOSOPHY

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