Together with Problems of Philosophy A, this module introduces a range of key philosophical problems most of which practically everyone with a philosophical temperament has puzzled over before. Philosophy students will grapple with many of these again later in their degree, and throughout their degree, module convenors will presuppose at least some familiarity with these topics. The module also facilitates the acquisition and consolidation of collaborative and presentational skills.
The philosophical topics covered in Problems of Philosophy B are five of the following (not including the four covered by Problems of Philosophy A):
Scepticism (how can I know anything at all about the world?);
Free will (how can I think and act freely, if all my thoughts and actions are determined by the laws that govern the Universe?);
The existence of God (does S/He exist?);
Realism vs antirealism (to what extent is reality distinct from how it appears?);
The mind/body problem (is the mind just the brain?);
Personal identity (what is it about you that makes you the same person as you were years ago?);
Utilitarianism vs. Deontology (are actions morally right and wrong ‘in themselves’, or are they so just because of the effects they have on people’s happiness, etc.?);
Ethical obligation (how much should we help people much worse-off than ourselves?);
Moral relativism (are moral values absolute or do they vary from one culture/person to others?);
The requirements of justice (Who should have what?).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate a good understanding of the quintessential philosophical issues covered in the module, and appreciate why they are so central to our subject;
Demonstrate an appreciation of strengths and weaknesses of key philosophical theories through which philosophers have tried to grapple with these issues;
Construct arguments for positions bearing on these issues and respond critically and constructively, in writing, to arguments in these areas.
Assessment
33820-01 : 1500 word essay : Coursework (50%)
33820-03 : CT Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
The assessment for modules 33817 and 33820 is linked.
Assessment:
1 x 1500 word essay (normally in Semester 1) (50%)
1 x 90min centrally timeabled Written exam (normally in Semester 2) (50%)