Module: Philosophy: An Historical Introduction

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Philosophy: An Historical Introduction
Module Code	TP210 (ITS) / PHE1019 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Ian Leask
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This module provides a formal and systematic introduction to important themes, issues and concepts in the history of Western philosophy. Grounded in direct textual engagement, the module examines how different philosophers, from ancient through to contemporary periods, have approached fundamental questions regarding the nature of the good, the true, and the beautiful. In this module students develop their wider knowledge, and enhance their skills in comprehension, analysis and synthesis. Students are expected to attend lectures and seminars, and to engage with relevant texts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Comprehend central issues and themes in the history of Western philosophy.
2. Situate and assess these issues and themes in their wider historical and cultural context.
3. Understand the wider social, political and cultural significance of these issues and themes.
4. Engage in close analysis and interpretation of important philosophical texts.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures
Independent Study	48	Assigned Readings
Independent Study	53	Independent Learning & Exam Preparation
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Socrates & the Sophists: why should we be moral?

Ethics and objectivity

The nature of reality and the nature of knowledge

Scepticism and Descartes’ cogito

The ‘death of God’

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Essay	Essay	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Plato,: 2005, Early Socratic Dialogues, Penguin,
Plato: 1974, Republic, Penguin,
Descartes: 1972, Discourse on Method & Meditations, Penguin,
D.E. Luscombe: 1997, Medieval Thought, Oxford UP,
Alasdair MacIntyre,: 1967, A Short History of Ethics, Routledge,
Roger Scruton: 1981, From Descartes to Wittgenstein: A Short History of Modern Philosophy, Routledge,

Other Resources

None