Module PHIL1021: KNOWLEDGE AND REALITY

Department: Philosophy

PHIL1021: KNOWLEDGE AND REALITY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide an introduction to philosophical problems in metaphysics and the theory of knowledge.
• Subsequent modules to which it will relate are: Modern Philosophy I, Philosophy of Mind, Metaphysics, Language and Mind

Content

• Scepticism; the impossibility of defining 'knowledge'; foundationalism and coherentism; internalism and externalism; Quine and naturalized epistemology; a 'priori' knowledge; self knowledge; memory; minds and bodies; theories of consciousness; qualia; intentionality, free will and determinism; theories of personal identity.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module, students will have knowledge and understanding of key philosophical theories relating to the following issues:
• knowledge and scepticism
• theories of justification
• theories of memory
• minds and bodies
• theories of consciousness
• intentionality
• freedom
• personal identity

• correctly utilise specialist vocabulary
• grasp, analyse, evaluate and deploy subject-specific concepts and arguments
• locate, understand, assess and utilise pertinent philosophical (and, where appropriate, historical) sources

• express themselves clearly and succinctly in writing
• comprehend complex ideas, propositions and theories
• defend their opinions by reasoned argument
• seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information
• tackle problems in a clear-sighted and logical fashion.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures deliver basic module-specific information, and provide a framework for further study.
• Tutorials provide opportunities for students to test their own understanding of the material studies, and defend and debate different opinions.
• Guided reading provides a structure within which students exercise and extend their abilities to make use of available learning resources.
• The Formative essays provide the opportunity for students to test their knowledge and understanding of the module content, and their ability to present and defend relevant arguments and theories, uninhibited by the need for summative assessment.
• The Summative essays test knowledge and understanding of the course material, and the ability to identify and explain issues covered in the module, and, using relevant research material, to present different approaches to those issues, and make reasoned judgement on the merits and demerits of such approaches.
• The unseen examination tests students' overall knowledge and understanding of the module content at the end of the module, and their ability to bring it to bear on new problems under pressure of time.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1 essay 1500 words.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University