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INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY: TWELVE PHILOSOPHERS

Module code: PH153
Credits: 7.5
Semester: 1
Department: PHILOSOPHY
International:
Coordinator: Prof. Philipp Rosemann (PHILOSOPHY)

	Overview
	As a first introduction to the subject, this module will study twelve thinkers who were decisive in shaping Western philosophy. Thus, each of the twelve weeks will be devoted to one philosopher. The focus of our work in class will be the reading of one short and famous text by each of the twelve thinkers. These typically include Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Eriugena, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Arendt. Their texts serve as introductions not only to particular periods of philosophy, but also to some of the great questions which philosophy attempts to answer, such as: What is education? What is truth? What is happiness? What is love? Is there a God? We will read the texts together and discuss them. The instructor will provide interpretation and historical context.

Overview

As a first introduction to the subject, this module will study twelve thinkers who were decisive in shaping Western philosophy. Thus, each of the twelve weeks will be devoted to one philosopher. The focus of our work in class will be the reading of one short and famous text by each of the twelve thinkers. These typically include Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Eriugena, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Arendt. Their texts serve as introductions not only to particular periods of philosophy, but also to some of the great questions which philosophy attempts to answer, such as: What is education? What is truth? What is happiness? What is love? Is there a God? We will read the texts together and discuss them. The instructor will provide interpretation and historical context.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Identify an essential theme in the thought of each of the twelve philosophers; describe the historical situations in which these philosophies arose; distinguish various fundamental phases in the development of Western philosophy (e.g., ancient Greek, medieval, modern, contemporary); recognise some of the main branches that philosophy developed in the course of its history (e.g., natural philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language); distinguish philosophy from other intellectual pursuits, such as poetry, theology, natural science, and history.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes Final essay assignment (ca. 1,500 words = 60%). Marks for tutorial attendance and the mid-term essay will carry over. Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? Written permission from Department Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Philosophy Department.