2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHIL1090 Knowledge, Self and Reality
20 creditsClass Size: 300
Module manager: Helen Steward
Email: h.steward@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
Module replaces
PHIL1001 Introduction to PhilosophyThis module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module will introduce students to central issues in philosophy of mind, epistemology, and metaphysics which concern the self and its relationship to the rest of the world. For example: What am I? How can I have knowledge of the world around me? To what extent is reality dependent on me?Objectives
On completion of this module, students should have a basic ability to:• discuss philosophical issues with others of opposing views;
• construct an argument for a point of view, and express it in clear, concise prose;
• read philosophical texts critically and with attention to detail;
• explain and respond to central ideas in the work of the philosophers studied.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• display an understanding of the issues studied;
• construct an argument for a point of view, and express it in clear, concise prose;
• read philosophical texts critically and with attention to detail.
Syllabus
Potential topics include:
• Knowledge: analysis of knowledge, truth, scepticism
• Mind: subjectivity, personal identity, the nature of the self (underlying substantial “I” vs. the “bundle theory” of the self), free will and determinism, the mind/body problem
• “Mind as reality”: solipsism, idealism
• Reality: objectivity, natural vs. social kinds, colour, the reality of the past and the future
Each subfield will get roughly equal coverage. The module leader may choose to focus on one topic from each subfield, or to cover more topics in less detail.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Discussion forum | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| Lecture | 18 | 1.00 | 18.00 |
| Tutorial | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
| Private study hours | 169.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 31.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Via online discussion group and tutorial participation and performance in mid-module essay.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1500 words mid module | 40.00 |
| Essay | 2000 words end of module | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated. In light of the effect of COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions on students' learning experiences, the School of PRHS have made the decision to modify assessment in Semester 2 modules in the 2020-21 academic year. Changes may involve reducing the number of assessment points (e.g. assessing one essay rather than two) or reducing word counts where it is possible to do so whilst protecting the integrity of the module's Learning Outcomes. Information on any changes to assessment for this module is available to enrolled students in the Minerva module area, and can also be sought from the module leader or the PRHS SES team.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 04/02/2021 11:40:44
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