Module: PET4000-20 Truth and Reality

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Paul Reid-Bowen

Module Tutor Contact Details: P.Reid-Bowen@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module introduces you to a number of principles of philosophical enquiry and explores some core concepts, debates and arguments in the fields of epistemology and metaphysics. The module promotes the development of some philosophical skills of analysis and argument and encourages reflection on such questions as what is knowledge, what is truth, what is a human being, and what is ultimately real? A selection of philosophical schools is considered as a means of developing an awareness of the diverse responses to these questions, for example: empiricism, rationalism, linguistic philosophy and critical realism. The primary aim of the module is to allow you to pursue some challenging and exciting questions about the nature of knowledge, reality and what it means to be human.

This module aims to:

Develop skills in systematic philosophical analysis and the construction of valid arguments;

Encourage you to critically examine your own pre-suppositions and explore unfamiliar methods of thinking;

Investigate the conceptual resources available in a range of philosophical systems, including pre-modern, modern, post-modern and non-western;

Foster an understanding of the cross-cultural complexity and diversity of philosophical concepts, systems and traditions.

2.Outline syllabus:

The module introduces some core concepts, debates and arguments in the fields of epistemology and metaphysics, for example:

An introduction to what philosophy is and what philosophers do.

An introduction to the disciplines of epistemology and metaphysics.

An examination and analysis of some of the big debates and questions in epistemology, such as what are the foundations of knowledge, what is truth, and what are the limits of scepticism and doubt?

An introduction to metaphysical enquiry, featuring an examination and analysis of such topics and questions as what exists, do we possess free will, what is mind and what is its relationship to matter, and what is personal identity?

Embedded within the module is an introduction to some of the methods and tools of philosophical analysis, argument and evaluation. These methods can be utilised effectively in academic assignments and seminars but they also have lasting value in life and work beyond university.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Teaching and Learning is centred on lectures, workshops and seminars. During the lecture/workshops you will be introduced to key concepts and debates in philosophy as well as being presented with methods and tools of analysis and argument. The seminars are either student-centred or student-led and you will have the opportunity to discuss, clarify and analyse concepts and arguments introduced in the lectures in some depth. The seminars are also the venue for the assessed group presentations. The presentations are a significant part of the assessment of the module and provide you with the opportunity to develop and practise some valuable philosophical and employability skills (e.g. explaining complex ideas verbally, debating and defending an argument, interacting and working effectively with others).

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Presentation (equiv. 2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%