Õppeaine 'Introduction to Philosophy'

Aasta:   2015/2016    2016/2017    2017/2018    2018/2019    2019/2020    

NB! Course will take place not in the autumn semester, but on spring 2018!

The aim of the course is to give an overview of what philosophy is about, how one is supposed to do philosophy, and why philosophy (if done properly) matters.
More specifically, the course has two aims.
Aim 1: To get an insight into the kinds of problems and topics discussed within the discipline of philosophy, how these problems and topics relate to one another to other areas of life. This insight is given by taking a closer look at some central problems that have been addressed in the western philosophical tradition, and some possible solutions to these problems.
Aim 2: To familiarize the students with the methods of doing philosophy (critical thinking, conceptual analysis) and train the skills of doing it.

The course is designed to be accessible to students who have no prior training in philosophy. However, it is also designed to be of interest to students who have already taken a philosophy course.

During the course we will examine some central problems that are being addressed in the western philosophical tradition (see below). And we will examine and assess some possible solutions that have been offered to these problems. The focus of the course is on philosophical problems and philosophical problem solving. First, rather than giving an overview of the history of philosophy and historical authors, we well focus on philosophical questions and their motivation. Second, rather offering an exhaustive but superficial overview of the topics discussed in philosophy, the course focuses on a few selected topics. These will be discussed slowly and thoroughly. The aim is to understand arguments in favor or against one or other position, and to learn to offer such arguments oneself. Even though the course is not a course on the history of philosophy, the views of some relevant historical philosophers will be discussed in the context of the particular topics.

Tentative Calendar:
1. Introduction
2. What is philosophy?
3. Ethics I. In virtue of what are some acts morally right or morally wrong? (consequentialist and deontological theories of moral rightness)
4. Ethics II. In virtue of what are some acts morally right or morally wrong? (consequentialist and deontological theories of moral rightness)
5. What is knowledge? (I)
6. What is Knowledge? (II)
7. What is truth?
8. Moral relativism (I) - What it is and what is it not.
9. Moral relativism (II) - Is moral relativism correct?
10. Epistemic injustice: how can "knowing" or not "knowing" be morally problematic.
11. Topics in metaphysics (I)
11. Summary

After the course the student:
- has improved his/her skills of reasoning and analysis (for example, is better able to assess what the truth or falsity of a position depends on, has better skills to engage in argumentative discussions, is more skilled in defining one's concepts)
- has an overview of some central topics in Western philosophy.
- sees how different philosophical questions are related and how they bear upon questions outside philosophy.
- has improved argumentative writing skills
- has improved analytical reading skills
- is in a position to independently develop one's interest in philosophy and find and make use of philosophical resources in other areas inside and outside academia.

Will be discussed and decided with students.

Classroom meetings combine lectures and seminars. Classroom activities include: listening to the lecturer, thinking and talking along, individual tasks, group discussions. Depending on the number of students, the exact nature of classroom activities may vary.

In addition to attending the lectures/seminars, students are expected to submit homework assignments. Homework is not graded. Homework assignments may include: reading a short text, answering a few questions, watching a video etc. Depending on the size of the group the exact nature of homework may vary.

Attending at least 8 lectures/seminars is required to pass the course
Submitting 75% of the home assignments is required to pass the course.

Students will be assessed based on attending and participating in the seminars/lectures, homework and (short) essay/exam.

Depending on the size of the group the exact grading criteria may vary.

Reading materials and homework assignments will be uploaded to SIS in due time.

2017: MAN  MDC  MIA  MIxD  MUR  

2016: MAN  MDC  MIA  MIxD  MUR  

2015: MAN  MIA  MUR  

2014: BVA*  MAN  MUR  

2013: MAN  MUR  

2012: MUR*  

* Valikaine