Philosophy 2105-EPE-L-D1PHIL
The course is an introduction to philosophy. It engages with both analytic and continental currents, with an emphasis placed on contemporary perspectives. The course is divided into modules that address different topics in philosophy. It begins with an initial tour of the history of philosophy, before moving to explore ontology, ethics, philosophy of language, and existentialism.
Each module outlines the general problem associated with the topic at issue, moving from position to position and examining the difficulties associated with different perspectives. The modules are independent in the sense that they do not depend on earlier modules, and they also vary in terms of their conceptual roots, ranging from classic analytic issues to more continental themes.
The philosophers discussed in the context of this set of modules include Aristotle, Locke, Kant, Putnam, Descartes, Shoemaker, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, and de Beauvoir, among others.
The aim of the lecture is to introduce students to these classic topics in philosophy, some of the key perspectives in each case, and to prompt reflection on the problems themselves. Students are prompted to participate through voting, and open discussion is also encouraged.
Course coordinators
Term 2025Z: | Term 2026Z: |
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Upon finishing the course:
Knowledge:
- students know and understand basic stages of the European philosophical thought including the ideas of the state, power and social structures (K_W06)
Skills:
- students are able to observe and interpret diverse social phenomena happening in Europe and the UE in the context of philosophoical inquiries (K_U01)
Social Competences:
- students have the competence to correctly identify and solve dilemmas connected with their profession (K_K02)
Assessment criteria
The course ends in a written exam. The assessment is completed entirely without Al assistance. This level ensures that students rely solely on their knowledge, understanding, and skills. AI must not be used at any point during the assessment.
Bibliography
Useful texts:
Blackburn, Simon (2001). Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Copleston, Frederick (2003). A History of Philosophy Vols 1-11. Great Britain: Continuum.
Kaufmann, Walter (1956). Existentialism: From Dostoyevsky to Sartre. New York: Meridian.
Levinson, Jerrold (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Aesthetics (2005; online edn, Oxford Academic, 2 Sept. 2009)
Copp, David (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Ethical Theory, Oxford Handbooks (2007; online edn, Oxford Academic, 2 Sept. 2009)