History of Modern Philosophy Non Honours PHIL3011

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This course introduces students to critical discussion of some key philosophical texts of the Enlightenment era.

Timetable

16x1hr lectures; 4x1hr seminars over eleven weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

This is one of the Level 3 options in Philosophy and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Grade D3 or above in one of the Philosophy level 2 courses or at the discretion of the Head of Philosophy.

Excluded Courses

PHIL4016 History of modern Philosophy.

Assessment

Essay (1,800 words) - 40%

Examination (2-hour duration) - 60%

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ Study key philosophical texts from the Enlightenment era;

■ Critically evaluate the views of Enlightenment figures on such topics as: Substance; Freedom; Causation; The self; The nature and limits of knowledge; The nature of reality and the relation of the mind to the external world;

■ Compare and critically evaluate competing interpretations of Enlightenment texts.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain the views of selected key Enlightenment philosophers on core philosophical topics;

■ Assess the arguments offered in support of the Enlightenment philosophers' positions;

■ Explain and evaluate competing interpretations of selected Enlightenment texts;

■ Contrast the views of select Enlightenment philosophers on core philosophical topics.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.