Through careful study of classic contributions to philosophical debates over where ideas come from, how thoughts and words have meaning, how beliefs are to be justified, what knowledge is, 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.

To introduce metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophical argumentation, and formal logic through careful study of classic philosophical writings.

To develop analytical and argumentative skills through isolating key arguments in classic philosophical writings and constructing careful critiques of those arguments.

To prepare students for the challenges of studying philosophy at degree level.

To 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). Two coursework essays are required of not more than 2000 words each, which are individually returned.

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, philosophy of language, philosophical argumentation, and formal logic;

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.

A three-hour unseen written examination (in which students will be expected to answer three questions) will count for 50% of the assessment. You will also complete two pieces of coursework weighted at 25% each.

Through careful study of classic contributions to philosophical debates over where ideas come from, how thoughts and words have meaning, how beliefs are to be justified, what knowledge is, 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.

John Cottingham (ed), Western Philosophy: An Anthology, second edition (Wiley Blackwell, 2007).

Not applicable.