Module PHIL41030: Topics in Post-Kantian Philosophy

Department: Philosophy

PHIL41030: Topics in Post-Kantian Philosophy

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to historical and contemporary research in the Post-Kantian tradition and to critically engage with the distinctive and exciting ideas and methods of a range of Post-Kantian philosophers and philosophical topics.
• To introduce topics, debates and concepts that are central to this field, through structured group discussion and engaging influential research.
• To promote an advanced critical understanding of different conceptions of Post-Kantian philosophy, its historical developments and contemporary applications.
• To provide students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue self-directed research on a specific topic, under the direction of a member of staff.
• To introduce students to debates at the cutting edge of philosophical research, where there is much work to be done and considerable scope for original contributions, with a view to encouraging PhD research in the field.

Content

• The first seminar will provide students with an overview of Post-Kantian philosophy and its relation to other relevant philosophical methods. Following this, topics, questions and debates that are central to the field will be outlined. The remaining seminars will address topics that have been the focus of significant work historically and in contemporary research. Topics may vary depending on staff expertise. A list of indicative topics is as follows:
• Phenomenology
• Hermeneutics
• Post-structuralism
• Pragmatism
• German, British and American idealism

Learning Outcomes

• Students will:
• Acquire an in-depth appreciation of contrasting views regarding how research in philosophy ought to be pursued.
• Understand several broad issues that comprise a context for recent research in the Post-Kantian tradition.
• Relate some of these issues to a more specific research question.
• Acquire an advanced, in-depth knowledge of recent research in at least one of the areas discussed in the seminars.

• Students will be able to:
• Identify key issues, questions and debates concerning Post-Kantian Philosophy.
• Identify and make use of relevant literature.
• Critically review some recent work in Post-Kantian philosophy in a clear, structured fashion.
• Identify a philosophical problem, formulate a philosophical position and employ advanced critical skills and conceptual knowledge to address the problem and defend the position.
• Write an essay with an appropriately focused research question, a clear, knowledgeable discussion of the topic area, and a structured argument. Essays will display evidence of critical understanding and innovative philosophical thought.

• Identify and locate research materials.
• Write in a clear, rigorous, argumentative style.
• Manage their time effectively.
• Use their own initiative (with guidance) to choose a research topic.
• Exercise self-discipline, responsibility and autonomy in pursuing a research project.

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

• Seminars provide structured group teaching, addressing issues that are central to Post-Kantian Philosophy. Seminars also provide the opportunity for group discussion, allowing students to clarify points and refine their views, through interaction with the seminar leader and their peers. Through seminars, students will further develop their argumentative abilities and learn to put forward their views in a clear, structured manner.
• One-to-one supervisions are tailored specifically to the research projects of individual students, providing a valuable opportunity for them to clarify and discuss ideas. One-to-one supervisions will also assist students in locating relevant library resources, formulating appropriate and concise essay topics, and working out argument structures. Supervision sessions are also used to offer critical feedback on draft summative essays, prior to submission. Supervisions will not be timetabled and should be organised directly between students and tutors as schedules permit.
• Students are encouraged to attend relevant EIDOS (postgraduate philosophy society) talks and departmental Research Seminars.
• Feedback on draft work will assist students in preparing the summative assignment.
• For the summative essay, students will be required to focus on a specific research question, demonstrate advanced knowledge of the relevant literature, develop a critical understanding of relevant ideas and arguments and put forward a philosophical position in the form of a clear, structured philosophical argument.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

500-1000 word formative assessment.

■ 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