2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHIL1001 Introduction to Philosophy

10 creditsClass Size: 800

Module manager: Prof. Robin Le Poidevin
Email: R.D.Poidevin@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

Module replaces

PHIL1100 Reason & ArgumentPHIL1000 Introduction to Logic

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

What is the ultimate nature of reality - is there a real world out there independent of our experiences? What rational justification is there for believing that the future will resemble the past? Do the laws of physics challenge the notion that we have free will, and what implications does this have for the concept of moral responsibility? If we directly perceive the world, what sense can we make of illusions and hallucinations? In what sense can our lives be said to be meaningful? What is it to be a work of art? These are typical of the kinds of philosophical questions that this module introduces. In thinking about them you'll be required to consider and reconsider the first thoughts you have in response to them, and you'll have the chance to defend your answers to them in discussion with your fellow students and in your assessment for the module. In doing so you will have the opportunity to develop key skills in philosophical analysis, critical thinking, group debating and essay writing.This module will also briefly introduce some of the ways in which philosophers go about their business. What is an argument? What distinguishes a good argument from a bad one? What kinds of ways do people go wrong in their attempts to defend their points of view?

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

i) demonstrate an elementary understanding of key philosophical issues
ii) analyse the principal positions adopted in debates on these issues
iii) critically evaluate the positions adopted in those debates

Skills outcomes
By taking this module students will develop skills in:

i) conceptual analysis
ii) critical thinking
iii) philosophical debating
iv) writing philosophical essays

Syllabus

This module provides students with an elementary introduction to a range of key philosophical issues not covered elsewhere in the Level 1 Philosophy curriculum. Topics may include: time, change, the self, the external world, the nature of beauty, mortality and immortality, the nature and value of philosophy, the nature of truth, and values versus facts. Tutor-led and student-led group discussion will cultivate students' own view of the issues covered and thus develop their intellectual autonomy.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Proctorial	5	1.00	5.00
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Tutorial	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			79.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Proctorial preparation 10 (5 x 2 hours)
Tutorial preparation 10 (5 x 2 hours)
Essay preparation 6
Examination preparation 20
Lecture preparation and associated reading 32
Exam 1

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Tutorial performance,
Proctorial performance,
Mid semester essay assessment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1,000 words - Module resit is by 2 hour exam in august, which covers essay and exam	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Module resit is by 2 hour exam, covers essay and exam

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/04/2009

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD