Metaphysics, Science, and Language
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHIL1014 | Philosophy | 1 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- PHIL1014
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The module will cover topics from each of metaphysics, metaphysical issues in the philosophy of science, and philosophy of language. Indicative questions include: Metaphysics: why is there something rather than nothing? Does it make sense to talk of a telos, or purpose, to the universe? Is the universe deterministic, or is there chance? Philosophy of science: Is science the guide to all of reality? Where do metaphysics and physics overlap? Philosophy of language: What is truth? Is truth relative? Does language create reality?
Target Students
First year single honours and joint honours Philosophy students, including Liberal Arts students. Also available to subsidiary students from other Schools andexchange students.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 5 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 5 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 5 weeks
Activities alternate by week. In one week: 2hrs lecture, 0hrs seminar; in the next week, 1hr lecture, 1hr seminar.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: submitted online, during the term 1000 words
- 50% Coursework 2: submitted online, around exam period 1000 words
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to provide a general introduction to some contemporary issues in metaphysics, philosophy of language and philosophy of science. By the end of the module you should be able to understand some of the key issues and debates in these three areas and to defend your own favoured position concerning them.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
- Students should have a critical appreciation of basic contemporary disputes concerning the topics upon which the module focuses.
Skills
- Students should be able to reason, philosophically, to a well-thought-out position regarding relevant debates in each of the three areas the module covers.
- Students should be able to express themselves clearly and precisely, both in writing and in seminar discussions.
Understanding
- Students should have a critical understanding of a variety of views and arguments pertaining to topics on which the module focuses.