58吃瓜

PY4327 What is Philosophy?

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr A D Etinson

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Adam Etinson

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module addresses big picture questions about the nature and methodology of philosophy, i.e., about what philosophy is and what doing philosophy actually involves. It combines a historical and contemporary focus, examining a range of philosophical aims and methods. It may draw from philosophical traditions such as those of: ancient Greece, early modern Europe, medieval Islam, ancient China, and others. As well as prompting reflection on the nature and variety of philosophical projects employed by historical thinkers, this course is also designed to prompt reflection 鈥� and critical consideration 鈥� of what constitutes and characterises philosophical practice more generally. To this end, the module may examine more recent work in metaphilosophy, covering broad traditions such as pragmatism, analytic philosophy, intuitionism, and phenomenology 鈥� as well as key questions about the role of the history of philosophy in philosophy, and the power of genealogical critique.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PY1012

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture and 1 seminar (X10 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand and engage with some of the most important views on the nature and methods of philosophical inquiry.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate arguments.
  • Reflect on their own practice as philosophers
  • Discuss philosophical material in a group setting
  • Have an appreciation of the diversity of philosophical aims and practices
  • Understand and connect historical philosophical work to contemporary counterparts