Introduction to Contemporary Philosophy 2500-EN-O-53
Contemporary philosophy is a complex and broad field that embraces problems and ideas closely connected to all branches of science. In fact, several fields of science, psychology included, separated from philosophy rather recently (that is, in the second half of the XIX century) and they remain – in many cases – still closely related to philosophical theories and considerations. The course has two main aims. The first is to sketch a partial landscape of contemporary philosophy – both historical and conceptual. This will enable students to gain basic knowledge of important philosophical ideas and concepts that should be a part of a conceptual framework of every person that attempts at gaining a university degree. The second is to introduce concepts, theories and ideas that are or might be of some importance to contemporary psychology. The course, therefore, shall comprise, among other thing, the discussion of concepts of intentionality and consciousness, the discussion over the so-called psychologism and reasons why it has been rejected by the founding fathers of contemporary philosophy (Frege, Husserl), the discussions over the concept of folk psychology and theories of mindbody problem, the idea of modularity. This shall be supplemented by elementary introduction to some ideas belonging properly to philosophy of science, philosophy of language and even contemporary metaphysics (the popular concept of “possible world” shall be explained during the course).
Type of course
Learning outcomes
After a successful completion of the course, a student:
Is familiar with fairly sophisticated philosophical vocabulary
Can recognize problems as philosophical and identify the best
conceptual tools to tackle them
Thinks critically about knowledge and develops a habit of questioning
her assumptions
Gains a general understanding of scientific methods
Acknowledges the complexity of the problem of human mind and
consciousness
Learns how to approach pressing moral problems in a sophisticated
manner
Has the tools to reflect upon political issues philosophically
has the ability to critically assess textual material
Assessment criteria
The course implements four assessment methods.
- Participation (10%). The category includes attendance (up to 2
unexcused absences), and, first and foremost, contribution to the
discussion during the lecture. I know you have heard this before, but
this is dead serious!
(Those too shy or otherwise unable to participate during class are
required to signal their respective problems to the instructor and talk
about the material with her during one-on-one meetings or via
email).
- Short and very easy quizzes about the reading material, administered
randomly, at least 8 times (20%)
- Midterm essay (20%) — a fairly simple assignment of 5 pages double
space, on the topic of choice.
Written final exam (50%)
Attendance rules
Two (2) absences are permitted without excuse; if you have a serious
medical problem or condition, you may exceed this limit by bringing a
note from a doctor. Missing more than half the classes results in not
passing the course.
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: