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Learning to Philosophize (Credit Plus) (10 credit points)
Course Times & Enrolment
This course is currently unavailable.
Course Summary
Is abortion wrong? How do I know that you have a mind? Is there anything special about science? As well as an introduction to a broad range of philosophical questions such as these, this course focuses on the development of study skills such as essay writing and note taking.
Course Details
Pre-requisites for enrolment
No previous knowledge necessary.
Content of Course
1. What is philosophy?
An introduction to the nature of philosophy. (E.g.: How does philosophy differ from other academic subjects? Do we need to philosophize at all?)
2. God
An introduction to the philosophy of religion. (E.g. Does God exist? Is religious belief like a virus?)
3. Right and wrong
An introduction to moral philosophy. (E.g. Should we aim at doing our duty or pursuing pleasure? Are there different standards of right and wrong for different people and societies?)
4. Politics
An introduction to some issues in political philosophy. (E.g.: What is liberty and why is it important? Should we allow positive discrimination in the workplace?)
5. The external world
An introduction to epistemology. (E.g. What can we know about the world? Where do our ideas come from?)
6. Science
An introduction to the philosophy of science. (E.g. Is it reasonable to expect that the sun will rise tomorrow? How does science differ from other forms of human enquiry?)
7. Mind
An introduction to the philosophy of mind. (E.g. Do computers have minds? How do we know that other human beings have minds?)
8. Art
An introduction to the philosophy of art. (E.g. Is an original better than a forgery? Is photography an art?)
Teaching method(s)
Lecture based with class discussion.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
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Read philosophical texts and analyze their arguments;
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Display a familiarity with some central philosophical issues;
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Express their understanding both orally and in writing;
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Employ the relevant study skills required for successful study in philosophy.
Sources
Core Readings
Essential:
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Warburton, N., ed., 2005. Philosophy: Basic Readings. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
Recommended:
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Warburton, N., 2004. Philosophy: the Basics. 4th ed. London: Routledge.
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Burnham, D., 2003. Get Set For University: Philosophy. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Web Sources
http://www.rep.routledge.com (Password access)
Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Class Handouts
Handouts will be provided.
Assessments
10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.
Studying for Credit
If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.
Queries
If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.
Student support
If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.