Philosophy

If you love discussion that is coherent, and brings new ideas, but not necessarily comfortable with answers given to you so far, if you are prepared to explore some unknown and challenging areas of knowledge then Philosophy is a subject for you.

What will I study?

First Year

Epistemology: examine the distinction between acquaintance knowledge, ability knowledge and propositional knowledge. You will discuss the tripartite view and propositional knowledge, analyse perception as a source of knowledge and within that have the opportunity to get acquainted with direct and indirect realism. You will look at reason as a source of knowledge and explore the ideas of innatism as well as meaning of induction and deduction.

Moral Philosophy: question and analyse the meaning of good, bad, right, wrong. Study the concept of Utilitarianism, individual liberty and rights. The opposing view of Kantian deontological ethics will be also explored, considering the distinction between acting in accordance with duty and acting out of duty. Study Aristotelian virtue ethics and what ‘The good’ is for human beings: the meaning of Eudaimonia as the ‘final end’ and the relationship between Eudaimonia and pleasure according to Aristotle.

Second Year

Metaphysics and arguments relating to the existence of God. You will consider ontological arguments that explore the idea of God’s existence and attempt to provide the ontological proof for it. You will explore the problem of evil and whether God’s attributes can be reconciled with the existence of evil.

In metaphysics of mind you will analyse mental states and what it means to have a mind. You will compare the dualist theories where the body and mind are not identical entities and will look at responses to the theory of dualism.

Where might it lead?

The knowledge and skills that you will learn in philosophy will support applications for any arts or humanities degrees.