Through careful study of contemporary contributions to philosophical debates over where ideas come from, how beliefs are to be justified, what knowledge is, whether God exists, and the relation between mind and body, we will consider the nature of thought and its relation to the rest of reality. We will isolate and discuss the argument structures and philosophical assumptions employed by some of the most important philosophers to have discussed these issues. Students will develop their skills of analysing texts, reconstructing arguments, and developing their own critiques of those arguments. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required. Students will find any existing knowledge significantly broadened, deepened, and challenged by our emphasis on reading original contributions to debates rather than explanations of those debates.

• understand the areas of metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, and philosophical argumentation through careful study of contemporary philosophical writings.
• develop analytical and argumentative skills through isolating key arguments in philosophical writings and constructing careful critiques of those arguments.
• prepare students for the challenges of studying philosophy at degree level.
• develop the intellectual skills of reading, analysing, critiquing, discussing, and writing, which are central to all Arts and Humanities degree programmes, to most graduate employment, and to getting the best out of life in general.

Twenty lectures (one per week) and ten seminars (one per fortnight).

On completion of the module students should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of debates in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, and philosophical argumentation;
• analyse academic philosophical writings to isolate, formulate, and critique the arguments they employ;
• construct original philosophical arguments;
• communicate analyses, critiques, and arguments orally and in writing.

Two coursework essays are required of not more than 1,500 words each, which are individually returned. Each of these will count as 25% of the assessment. A three-hour unseen written examination (in which students will be expected to answer three questions) will count for 50% of the assessment.

Through careful study of contemporary contributions to philosophical debates over where ideas come from, how beliefs are to be justified, what knowledge is, whether God exists, and the relation between mind and body, we will consider the nature of thought and its relation to the rest of reality. We will isolate and discuss the argument structures and philosophical assumptions employed by some of the most important philosophers to have discussed these issues. Students will develop their skills of analysing texts, reconstructing arguments, and developing their own critiques of those arguments. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required. Students will find any existing knowledge significantly broadened, deepened, and challenged by our emphasis on reading original contributions to debates rather than explanations of those debates.

A Course Reader will be used.

Not applicable.