Module manager: Dr Kal Kalewold
Email: K.Kalewold@Leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module is open only to first year students admitted to the PPE programme. It develops basic skills in philosophy, including an understanding of philosophical methodology and of how to engage with philosophical problems and texts. It introduces knowledge of theories, arguments and texts in core areas of philosophy such as Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics and Logic.
This module develops basic skills in philosophy through engagement with philosophical texts in various areas of philosophy, e.g. Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics and Logic.
On completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate:
1. A good grasp of classical and contemporary philosophical arguments and theories through clear and accurate exposition of leading philosophical treatments of the topics explored.
2. An awareness of the complexity of these issues.
3. The ability to analyse arguments critically and develop their own position in relation to these issues through written argument.
This syllabus is indicative only and is subject to change.
Topics include:
The Euthyphro Dilemma
Descartes’ Meditations
Locke on knowledge of the external world
Free Will
Induction and Deduction
Moral Relativism
Paradoxes concerning material objects
Paradoxes of time travel
Paradoxes of decision-making
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Private study hours | 170 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Reading assigned texts: 6.5 hrs/week (65 hours)
Reflection on assigned texts: 6.5 hrs/ week (65 hours)
Writing essay (includes research, planning, drafting, polishing): 40 hours
Student progress will be monitored through seminar contribution where the level of understanding of texts and the ability to develop coherent analysis can be monitored. It provides real-time correction of misunderstanding of subject matter, as well as feedback on the development of core philosophical skills of argument analysis (which is formally assessed through the essays).
There is an opportunity to submit a 1000-word essay plan for feedback.
There are also office hours when students can discuss course content and essay plans.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2000 word essay (end of module) | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 8/25/2023
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team