Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MIND, KNOWLEDGE AND REALITY
Code PHIL103
Coordinator Dr RJH Davnall
Philosophy
R.Davnall@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students to some of the main topics in metaphysics: God, the mind/body problem, personal identity, time and free will.

To introduce students to the philosophical system of Rene Descartes.


Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to distinguish between sound and unsound arguments.

Students will be able to build a case for a specific metaphysical position, by weighing theoretical virtues, such as Occam''s razor, and metaphysical principles, such as the conceivability principle and the principle of sufficient reason.

Students will be able to extract an argument from text, render it into standard form, and critically evaluate its premises.

Students will be able to explain Descartes'' philosophical system.

Students will be able explain the basic issues, and the standard views, pertaining to five topics in contemporary metaphysics: God, personal identity, consciousness, free will and time.

Students will be able to able to argue for a specific view pertaining to five issues in contemporary metaphysics: God, personal identity, consciousness, free will and time.

Students will be able to discuss reality in the partially abstract manner distinctive of metaphysical thought.


Syllabus

Lecture 1: What is Metaphysics?

Lecture 2: Descartes - Scepticism 

Lecture 3: Descartes - The Cogito

Lecture 4: Descartes - The Trademark Argument

Lecture 5: Descartes - The Cartesian Circle

Lecture 6: Descartes - Dualism and the External World

Lecture 7: Descartes - Descartes, Hobbes and Berkeley

Lecture 8: God

Lecture 9: God

Lecture 10: God

Lecture 11: Personal identity

Lecture 12: Personal identity

< p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Lecture 13: Personal identity

Lecture 14: Consciousness 

Lecture 15: Consciousness

Lecture 16: Consciousness

Lecture 17: Free will

Lecture 18: Free will 

Lecture 19: Free will

Lecture 20: Time

Lecture 21: Time

Lecture 22: Time


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - 22 x 1 hour lectures, 2 per week.

The higher lecture hours are in keeping with principles of scaffolded learning, with greater tutor input at Level 7.

Seminar - 11 x 1 hour seminars.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22
22 x 1 hour lectures, 2 per week.
11
11 x 1 hour seminars.
        33
Timetable (if known) The higher lecture hours are in keeping with principles of scaffolded learning, with greater tutor input at Level 7.
 
           
Private Study 117
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen Written Exam  120  90  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Exam 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Practical Assessment  5-10 minute long ass  10  No reassessment opportunity    Presentation There is no reassessment opportunity, Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessed presentation (10%). Presentations occur in seminars and are assessed by the seminar tutor. It is not possible for assessed presentations to be marked anonymously. 

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: