Module: PET5104-20 Applying Philosophy

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor:

Module Tutor Contact Details:

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Philosophy has something to say about anything, with philosophical enquiries and analyses giving rise to numerous applied sub-branches, such as the philosophies of history, language, literature, mathematics, psychology, religion, science, film and sport. This module allows you to explore the nature of applied philosophy through a close reading of a school or small selection of philosophers and their subsequent application to contemporary issues, problems and phenomena. You will be required to consider examples of how philosophical concepts, methods and resources can be applied before developing a research project of your own.

The module aims to:

• Promote an understanding and evaluation of the applications of philosophy.

• Investigate and critically review a selection of philosophers and philosophical resources for subsequent application.

• Foster an application of philosophy to contemporary issues, problems or phenomena.

2. Outline syllabus

The module is divided between the study of a small selection of philosophers, constituting a school or linked on thematic or historical grounds, and a consideration of how philosophy can be applied to other fields of inquiry and study. These fields may be broad, and constitute significant sub-branches of philosophy in their own right, such as the philosophy of history or the philosophy of religion, or they may be remarkably narrow, as demarcated by specific philosophical interventions into particular issues and phenomena.

Students will be required to critically reflect on the aims and practices of particular philosophers, consider what it may mean to ‘apply’ philosophy (e.g. in the senses of the ‘philosophy of …’ and the conjunction ‘philosophy and …’), and demonstrate skills in applying philosophy to a contemporary issue, event or phenomenon.

3. Teaching and learning activities

Learning is facilitated by weekly workshops, alternating between staff-led lectures and student-centred or student-led activities. Students will be expected to make full use of documents and other media provided on Minerva and readings listed in the module handbook to prepare for and supplement workshops.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Critical review of select philosophers (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Applied philosophical project (3,000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%