Module Provider: |
Philosophy |
Number of credits: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
C (Certificate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Spring |
Module Convenor: |
DS
Oderberg |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Module version for: |
2007/8 |
Aims:
This course will introduce students to the thought of the 'Father of Modern Philosophy', René Descartes (1596-1650), via a study of his most famous philosophical work and one of the great classics of philosophy, the Meditations on First Philosophy (1641). Study of this book will also give students an introduction to some of perennial and fundamental questions of philosophy. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module, students will have a grasp of the central topics of the Meditations, including:
Descartes's 'method of doubt': is universal scepticism possible? The reliability of sense experience. Dreamers and demons.
Cogito ergo sum: I think, therefore I am.
What am I? Descartes on the relationship between mind and body
Does God exist? The 'Trademark' argument and the Ontological Argument
How do I know there is a world outside my mind?
Students' oral skills will be improved by their giving seminar reports, and commenting on and assessing philosophical arguments. Participation and group interaction will be particularly encouraged in the seminars
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Additional outcomes:
Students will gain an overview of some of the foundational problems of philosophy. The questions they will be exploring in this module will engage with many other areas of philosophical inquiry, such as philosophy of mind and theory of knowledge. Students will also begin to develop the skills of analysis and of abstract and critical thought required for the careful study of a philosophical text. |
Outline content:
This module will first introduce students to the life and legacy of Descartes, then move on to the central topics of the Meditations, including: scepticism and the Method of Doubt; the Cogito; the essence of mind and body; the existence of God; the Cartesian Circle; knowledge of the external world; the problem of error in our judgments; mind-body dualism.
Reading (compulsory purchase):
R. Descartes (ed. and trans. John Cottingham), Meditations on First Philosophy, with Selections from the Objections and Replies (Cambridge University Press, 1996; paperback).
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Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
The module is taught by lectures and seminars. Students are expected to attend 10 lectures and 10 seminars during the term in which it is provided. All students are required to write a module essay from a list of questions supplied by the module convenor and to give one seminar presentation. In addition, in weeks in which a student is not giving a report they will be required to write a short précis of the topic for discussion at a given seminar class. Students are encouraged to be active in all classes, asking questions and trying to answer the questions posed by others. A reading list and sample questions will be given out at the start of the course. |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
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10 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
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10 |
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| Practicals |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
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| Total hours |
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20 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
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1 |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework
1 x 1,500 word essay.
1 x seminar presentation.
Relative percentage of coursework: 30% (essay mark)
Examinations
The final exam will be two hours in which time you will be required to answer two questions from a choice of six.
Requirements for a pass
40%
Reassessment
Written examination only
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September
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