Introduction to Philosophy

This module introduces students to what philosophy is. In pursuit of that aim, it will outline the main historical eras of philosophy (ancient Greek, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary); distinguish the major subdivisions of the discipline (e.g., Moral Philosophy, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Logic, Philosophical Psychology, Philosophy of Religion) and how they relate to each other; discuss some of the major figures and topics in the history of philosophy; and draw attention to the use of formal logical thinking and the identification of some common logical informal fallacies used in everyday argumentation.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
-Identify what philosophy is and how it is done, and also what philosophy is not and how it should not be done.
-Distinguish the four major historical eras of philosophy: ancient Greek, medieval, modern and contemporary.
-Describe the branches of philosophy: epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of science, ethics, logic, political philosophy, and philosophy of religion; and relate one branch to another.
-Debate some of the main ideas of the principal teachings of certain major philosophers and think such issues out for one?s own self.
-Identify some major faults in everyday reasoning, with reference to some common logical informal fallacies.
-Present and articulate, in written format, a cogent argument for a position taken in relation to a philosophical topic.
-Demonstrate ability to select and think-through a response that is of relevance to the set essay-assignment tasks in addressing philosophical questions.

Teaching & Learning methods:
24 lecture hours (12 weeks x 2 lecture hours per week); 3 tutorial hours (x 15 tutorial groups); reading, reflection, discussion and writing.

Assessment:
ontinuous Assessment detail(s): 5% = Attendance at Tutorials. 15% = Presentation 20% = Tutorial Essay-Assignment (c. 1,000 words) 60% = Final Essay-Assignment (c. 2,000 words).