Courses / Module

Toggle Print

UNIQUE ANIMALS? ANTHROPOLOGICAL CONCEPTS IN PHILOSOPHY

Module code: PH205
Credits: 5
Semester: 2
Department: PHILOSOPHY
International:

	Overview
	This module introduces students to the study of the human being in philosophy with a special focus on the aspect of creativity and self-responsibility. It examines some major philosophical responses to the question �What is a human being?� Different answers to this question will be covered, such as the definitions of the human being as an image of God, as a being that produces meaning (homo symbolicus), and as a being that lives in the state of �being-there� (Dasein) and �Being-towards-death� (Sein-zum-Tode). Also addressed in this module will be the issue of the human being�s relation to its own existence and freedom. It will finish with a reflection on the transhumanist movement, all the while addressing the question as to whether there is anything unique about the human way of existing.

Overview

This module introduces students to the study of the human being in philosophy with a special focus on the aspect of creativity and self-responsibility. It examines some major philosophical responses to the question �What is a human being?� Different answers to this question will be covered, such as the definitions of the human being as an image of God, as a being that produces meaning (homo symbolicus), and as a being that lives in the state of �being-there� (Dasein) and �Being-towards-death� (Sein-zum-Tode). Also addressed in this module will be the issue of the human being�s relation to its own existence and freedom. It will finish with a reflection on the transhumanist movement, all the while addressing the question as to whether there is anything unique about the human way of existing.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: describe and evaluate the different concepts of the human being discussed in the module recount the different responses of early 20th-century thought (e.g. Scheler, Heidegger, and Cassirer) to the traditional concepts of the human being; evaluate the different responses to the question as to whether there is a unique human way of existence; critically discuss the transhumanist movement; identify the roles of creativity, freedom, and self-responsibility in the different anthropological concepts.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes 60% final exam required to pass Continuous assessment will be carried forward. University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 90 minutes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? Written permission from Department Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

Timetable

Search form

Courses / Module

UNIQUE ANIMALS? ANTHROPOLOGICAL CONCEPTS IN PHILOSOPHY

Semester 1

Semester 2