Philosophy of History
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHIL2056 | Philosophy | 2 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- PHIL2056
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
Since the nineteenth century, history (much like natural science) has become a subject for specialists, and professional historians are frequently located in universities. But what makes the increasingly sophisticated methods of modern historians appropriate? And what can we reasonably expect the practice of modern historical methods to deliver? How should historians choose the right methods given the wide remit of their enquiries into the human past? This unique interdisciplinary module introduces you to these and a range of other tough questions in the philosophy of history that, broadly construed, critically examine the ways in which historians seek to link past and present in a discipline designed to deliver genuine historical knowledge.
Additional topics may include, but not be limited to: Models and theories of history, historical reasoning from evidence, abstraction and the possibility of historical laws, narrative and causal approaches to history, underdetermination and inference to best explanation.
Target Students
Year 2 students in the History and Philosophy BA Jt Hons
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Students will be instructed through a combination of lectures and seminars throughout term.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Essay 2,000 words.
- 50% Coursework 2: Essay 2,000 words.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To ensure:1) that students are equipped with a detailed understanding of the main debates around the philosophy of history;2) that they can discuss rival views about the best analysis of history and historiography and the various merits and/or deficiencies of each;3) that they have a clear understanding of how thinking on this subject has developed over time; and4) that they have further developed philosophical skills around close analysis of text, formulation of independent arguments, and articulation of their own views and the views of others.Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and understanding
By the end of this module you should be able to
• Critically understand, the arguments for and against different conceptions and positions within the material covered.
• Identify and comprehend some key terminology relevant to the material covered.
• Reflect critically on the subject matter of the module.
B. Intellectual skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to:
• Analyse the structure of complex and controversial problems in the debates discussed.
• Interpret and explain key philosophical issues in the study of history informed by a critical historiographical sensitivity.
• Recognise and judge for yourself the strengths and weaknesses of arguments on both sides of each philosophical issue.
C. Practical Skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to
• Identify textually based arguments and subject their structure and implications to rigorous assessment.
• Understand any relevant specialist terminology and be able to use it properly.
• Select, organise and adequately employ relevant information from a range of sources.
• Review unfamiliar ideas with an open mind and a willingness to change one’s mind when appropriate.
D. Transferable skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to
• Express views on (abstract) issues clearly and concisely in writing.
• Participate effectively and appropriately in constructive debate on relevant issues.
• Work autonomously and manage one’s own work to time limits.
• Marshal a complex body of information, construct cogent arguments in the evaluation of this material, and present a clear and well-structured assessment of relevant considerations.
• Think creatively, self-critically and independently about new and unfamiliar problems.
Conveners
- ANTONIO Salgado Borge