This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Philosophers have conceived of their subject in a variety of ways, as rational systematisation, as a guide to the good life, as continuous with science, as dialogue, as critique, as therapy, and so on. In this module a small sample of topics will be chosen from a range of fields, for instance, ethics, politics, and science. Through team teaching, students are shown various—sometimes competing—ways to approach, discuss and respond to the chosen topics. This will include consideration of a number of techniques adopted by philosophers, such as, the use of the history of philosophy, conceptual analysis, thought experiments, formal philosophy, public philosophy and experimental philosophy.
Total Contact Hours: 40
Total Private Study Hours: 260
Total Study Hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Group Presentation (15 minutes) – 10%
Seminar Participation – 10%
Public Philosophy Assignment (1,500 words) – 30%
Essay (2,500 words) – 50%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (3,000 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate assured understanding of a range of topics in philosophy;
2 Demonstrate deep understanding of the different and sometimes conflicting approaches to philosophy in historical and contemporary research;
3 Engage critically with philosophical arguments in a way that is considered, reflective, and imaginative;
4 Write philosophy in a way that is reflective, structured and coherent.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate skills in critical analysis and argument through reading and listening to others;
2 Demonstrate their ability to make ideas clearly understandable in their writing;
3 Demonstrate their ability to make basic ideas clearly understandable for a live audience and their ability to work autonomously and in groups, and to take responsibility for their learning.
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