PHI-20030 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completions of level 4 modules or permission of module convener.

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The manifest image of reality (our descriptions of ordinary objects in terms of tables and chairs) came under threat with the rise of modern science whose image of reality was completely different from the everyday classification of objects. How did early modern philosophers, such as Descartes, Locke and Berkeley reacted to the scientific view that what really exists may be completely different from the way in which we describe it in everyday life? This module answers these questions by exploring the distinctions between epistemology and metaphysics, realism and idealism, rationalism and empiricism in early modern philosophy. Themes discussed include: Descartes' mathematization of the world; Locke and the distinction between primary and secondary qualities and Berkeley's defence of common sense ontology.

To introduce the theories of 17th and 18th century philosophers and apply them to traditional philosophical debates such as the debates between rationalism and empiricism, realism and idealism.
To enable students to recognize changes to the methodology of philosophy that occurred in the 17th and 18th century and relate them to contemporary positions and concerns.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an appreciation of the impact of the rise of modern science on early modern philosophers' concerns and of their reaction to the scientific theories of the time: 1
Reflect upon and critically analyse the relation between philosophy and science: 1
Assess whether scientific discovery pose a threat to common sense ideas: 1
Critically engage with different philosophical methods (rationalism and empiricism) and gain a second-order metaphilosophical perspective on their key characteristics: 1
Critically engage with the distinction between metaphysics and epistemology and the distinction between idealism and realism in the early modern period: 1
Develop their hermeneutic skills by engaging directly with the primary texts: 1

Study hours

Active learning hours: 84
16 hours attendance at lectures
Plenty of time has been allowed for lectures so that ample opportunity can be given to students to ask questions concerning the material that is being presented. The interaction in the lectures will be predominantly between students and lecturer as the students are asked to express their views and comment on the material presented as it is presented and fresh in their minds.
8 hours attendance at seminars
The interaction in the seminars differs from that of the lectures because seminars involve interaction between students who will have been asked to answer certain questions and set certain tasks prior to the seminars
60 hours engagement with online and preparation for seminars
Independent Study Hours: 66
40 hours researching and writing essay
26 hours independent research

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment