Course Resources Archive

This module consists of the class, and tutor, reading a single philosophical text of fundamental importance to the philosophical traditions.

This is an opportunity for students to get to grips with one philosophical text by a major philosopher. The book chosen may vary from year to year, but the essential approach is to offer a close and careful reading of a primary text. This will involve the study of the author, the tradition they have emerged from and the context of the time of writing. However, the primary focus is on the work itself. The close study of one text allows students to hone their philosophical skills that they have developed over the period of the course and to evaluate the arguments presented by engaging critically with a primary text.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of both the overall thrust and fine-grained detail of a key philosophical text

1. Demonstrate an awareness of both the context of a set text, and its places in its authors' overall output and development

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the extent of the influence and criticism of the set text in later philosophical developments.

1. Abstract, analyse and construct logical argument, employing the techniques of formal and informal methods of reasoning as appropriate, together with an ability to recognise any relevant fallacies as well as identify common persuasive stratagems that cannot withstand philosophical scrutiny and demonstrate how they weaken the arguments that employ them.

1. Work effectively within a team, demonstrating mutual respect while retaining the ability to work in a self-disciplined and self-directed manner, showing both independence of mind and initiative

1. Possesses a range of ICT skills in order to gather, evaluate and synthesise different types of information

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.