Department of Philosophy

 

Undergraduate Courses - Module Content

 

First Year

 

Autumn

 

PI4711 Basic Questions in Contemporary Philosophy

This module introduces students to Philosophy by exposing them to accessible contemporary treatments of the basic questions in the area.

 

Spring

 

PI4702 Introduction to Ethics

The aim of the module is to explore the notion of moral value and the nature of moral obligation, and to examine the role played by moral reflection in everyday life. Practical moral issues will also be examined, and students will be encouraged to formulate defensible solutions to these by reference to the ethical theories introduced in the module.

 

 

Second Year

 

Autumn

 

PI4713 Enlightenment Philosophy

This module examines the growth of modern rationalist and empiricist theories of knowledge, and the attempted Kantian 'higher synthesis'. It also charts the influence of Enlightenment patterns of thought in relation to the subsequent development of philosophy and of science.

PI4730 Political Theory

This module traces the central concepts in political theory from their emergence in classical Greek political thought to the present day.

 

 

Spring

 

PI4714 Metaphysics

The classical world view, its demise in the eighteenth century, and an attempt to reformulate it in contemporary terms.

PI4724 Theory of Knowledge and Philosophy of Science

This module provides an integrated study of some of the central questions in the field of epistemology, and introduces the philosophy of science as a critical meta-discipline, thus facilitating the development of reflective skills relating to the natural and social sciences as the contemporary culturally dominant sources of information and knowledge.

 

Third Year B.A.


Autumn and Spring


OC4310 and OC4320 Off-Campus Programme

B.A. students follow the Off-Campus Programme for both semesters of the third year. This is comprised of international study placement and / or relevant work placement. Philosophy students who wish to study abroad are advised by department staff on the availability of appropriate courses. Guidance is also provided for those who wish to use the opportunity to begin research work for final year projects in Philosophy.

 

Third Year B.Ed.


Autumn

 

Education Programme

B.Ed. students follow the Education Programme of classroom experience for the Autumn Semester of the third year. They then return to college to join the B.A. class for the taught modules of the Philosophy programme.


Spring

 

PI4718 Philosophy of God and Religion

This module investigates the questions of the existence and nature of God in the light of contemporary thought, and examines the philosophical significance of religion as a trans-cultural phenomenon.

PI4728 Ethics

This module (a) considers whether objective rational discussion about ethical questions is possible, (b) explores some of the important classical positions which claim that it is viz., Aristotelianism; Utilitarianism and Kant's deontological system, and (c) considers what light these general theories throw on disputed questions in practical ethics.

 

Fourth Year B.A.


Autumn


PI4717 Contemporary European Thought and Culture

The main trends in European philosophical thought from phenomenology through existentialism and Marxism to Post-modernism.

PI4727 Selected Topics in Philosophy

Provides students with the possibility of in-depth study of certain specialised areas of philosophy.

BA4707 Project Option in Philosophy

An opportunity for personal work / study, with limited supervision, on an approved philosophical topic.


Spring

 

PI4718 Philosophy of God and Religion

This module investigates the questions of the existence and nature of God in the light of contemporary thought, and examines the philosophical significance of religion as a trans-cultural phenomenon.

PI4728 Ethics

This module (a) considers whether objective rational discussion about ethical questions is possible, (b) explores some of the important classical positions which claim that it is viz., Aristotelianism; Utilitarianism and Kant's deontological system, and (c) considers what light these general theories throw on disputed questions in practical ethics.

BA4708 Project Option in Philosophy

An opportunity for personal work / study, with limited supervision, on an approved philosophical topic.