 | Use this page to view syllabus information, learning objectives, required materials, and technical requirements for the module.
As a result of College adapting your modules to combine face-to-face on campus and online teaching and learning support, the breakdown of notional learning hours set out under the heading “Technical Requirements” below may not necessarily reflect how each module will be delivered this year. Further details relating to this will be made available by your department and will be updated as part of the student timetable. |
| PY 2202 - Empiricism and Rationalism |
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Associated Term:
2023/24 Academic Session
Learning Objectives:
This course will explore the central developments in modern philosophy occurring between the foundation of modern empiricism and rationalism by Locke and Descartes in the 17th century, and the emergence of Kant’s philosophical system in the late 18th century. The course will look at three of the key figures from the two traditions, exploring the key theories they expound, and the arguments used to support these theories. The figures covered will depend on the research specialisms of the course convenor, but a typical syllabus would involve reading works by Spinoza, Leibniz, and Hume. Looking at these philosophers over a number of weeks will allow students to develop their close reading skills, and to see how the arguments put forward by these philosophers work together to produce a systematic metaphysical worldview.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Explain the main philosophical positions of philosophers in the empiricist and rationalist traditions;
2. Critically evaluate the validity of the key arguments supporting these positions;
3. Understand the importance of these traditions to the development of later philosophy;
4. Express their ideas in writing showing knowledge, understanding and critical evaluation;
5. Demonstrate their ability to read closely a range of different philosophical texts.
Required Materials: Click here for the reading list system Technical Requirements: The total number of notional learning hours associated with course are 150. These will normally be broken down as follows: 10 hour(s) of Lectures across 10 week(s) 10 hour(s) of Seminars across 10 week(s) 130 hour(s) of Guided Independent Study Formative Assessment: Seminar Participation Summative Assessment: Essay 50% - 2000 words Exam 50% - 2 hours |
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