Introducing central problems of western philosophy
Module details
- Offered to Year 1 students
- Tuesdays, 16.00-18.00
- 8 weeks (autumn or spring term)
- Planned delivery: On campus (South Kensington)
- Non-credit only
Got any questions?
Contact the lecturer:
Mr Greg Artus
Got any questions?
Contact the lecturers:
Matthew Rowe (autumn term)
Dr Matthew Wraith (spring term)
What are the limits of human knowledge? What is the difference between knowledge and opinion? How is the mind related to the physical body? What is it to do the right thing and why should we even try? Are we free? Can a machine be conscious? What is justice and how do we achieve it?
These are some of the key questions that have puzzled philosophers and scientists for centuries, and each has spawned its own specific area of philosophical enquiry.
In this short introductory module, you will engage in a brief overview of some of the answers that have been proposed to these, and other, questions. The module can function as a stand-alone introduction to philosophy, or it can function as an introduction to the more specialised philosophical modules offered in subsequent years of your degree.
Information blocks
By the end of the module you will be better able to:
- critically analyse and articulate philosophical concepts and problems;
- identify the difference between opinion and argument;
- integrate concepts, using self-directed primary and secondary research using philosophical texts;
- demonstrate the ability to conduct self-directed primary and secondary research.
The module will give a broad overview of some of the key topics in philosophy:
- The birth of western philosophy in ancient Greece and how the word was defined and used.
- Arguments for and against the existence of God.
- Descartes' view of the Mind and the foundations of belief.
- Can a machine think?
- Free will vs. determinism
- Morality and what makes an action right or wrong. Is morality absolute and universal or relative to a culture?
- Is there such a thing as human nature and what does this mean for how we should be governed?
- Is democracy the best form of government? Do the people know what is best for them?
Each session includes a period for discussion both in small groups and as a whole class. Reading and lecture material will be debated and you will be encouraged to test your own ideas through engagement with the module leader and the class. The assessments are designed to encourage you to engage in independent research beyond the lecture material.
Informal feedback on students’ ideas will be provided throughout the module. Written feedback will be provided via the module Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for the summative assessment.
- Coursework: Essay (1,300-1,500 words) (100%)
- ECTS value: 0
- Requirements: You must be prepared to attend all classes and to spend about an hour a week preparing for each session
- This module is designed as an undergraduate Level 4 course. For an explanation of levels, view the Imperial Horizons Level Descriptors page.
Module materials
Additional reading materials for the module will be made available through the university's library system.
"The lecturer was fantastic and made the course very interesting, there was just the right amount of discussion in class."
“Highlight of my week, every week.”
“Discussing in lectures works well and is helpful at getting to grips with philosophical concepts.”
"I like the small group discussion element of the lectures."
"Great module a good break from solely focusing on STEM and useful for developing necessary skills like essay writing that are not really the focus of my degree."