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2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHIL1090 Knowledge, Self and Reality

20 creditsClass Size: 300

Module manager: Edward Elliott
Email: E.J.R.Elliott@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This 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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Proctorial51.005.00
Lecture181.0018.00
Tutorial81.008.00
Private study hours169.00
Total Contact hours31.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Via proctorial and tutorial participation. Students will also have the opportunity to submit a 1000 word extended essay plan for feedback.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2000 words (end of module)100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

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

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:44:02

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