Module: Introduction to Philosophy: Central Issues & Questions

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Philosophy: Central Issues & Questions
Module Code	PHE1012 (ITS: TP132)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module provides a formal and systematic introduction to important themes, issues and concepts in Western philosophy. Grounded in the history of the topic, the module will examine how different philosophers, from ancient through to contemporary periods, have approached fundamental questions regarding the nature of reality, values, and truth. As well as considering the emergence of Western philosophy, students will consider a range of different arguments regarding values, truth, reality, the self, the existence of god, and the organisation of society. The module aims to provide a solid foundation for subsequent study.

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;
5. develop and demonstrate enhanced analytical and interpretative skills;
6. enjoy an enhanced appreciation of key elements in Western intellectual culture;
7. develop enhanced insight and reflexivity regarding their own values, principles and outlook;
8. synthesize their knowledge of different aspects of philosophy in the Western tradition.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Presentation and overview of main issues
Independent Study	101	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11339	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ian Leask	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Assignment based on material covered in lectures	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

From Myth to Reason: The Emergence of Western Philosophy
Considers the earliest Greek philosophers and their concerns

Why Should We Be Good? Socrates and the Sophists
Considers debates in ancient Athens regarding human nature, the status of ethics and morality, and the nature of 'the good life'

Leaving the Cave: Plato's Theory of 'Forms'
Considers the metaphysical speculation of Plato, regarding wider reality and truth

Scepticism and the Self: Themes in Descartes' "Meditations"
Considers Descartes' search for certainty and his treatment of the subject

'Natural Theology'
Considers a variety of arguments for (and against) the existence of God, with particular focus on Aquinas, Descartes and Hume

Individual and Society: Issues in Political Philosophy
Considers a variety of arguments regarding the nature of politics and the ways in which society might be organised.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Plato (ed. Trevor Saunders): 2005, Early Socratic Dialogues, Penguin, Harmondsworth,
Plato (trans. R.Waterfield): 2008, Gorgias, Oxford University Press,
Plato (ed.G.R.F. Ferrari): 2012, Republic, 10th, Cambridge University Press,
Julia Annas: 2003, Plato: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press,
Descartes (ed. John Cottingham): 2017, Meditations on First Philosophy, 2nd, Cambridge University Press,
Catherine Wilson: 2003, Descartes’ “Meditations”: An Introduction,, Cambridge University Press,
Alasdair MacIntyre: 2002, A Short History of Ethics, Routledge, London,
D.E.Luscombe: 1997, Medieval Thought, Oxford University Press,
David Hume (ed. J.C.A.Gaskin): 2008, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion & Natural History of Religion, Oxford University Press,
Annette Baier: 2011, The Pursuits of Philosophy: An Introduction to the Life and Thought of David Hume, Harvard University Press,
Brian Davies: 2004, An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion, 3rd, Oxford University Press,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

website: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Entries on: Socrates; Plato’s Middle Period Metaphysics; Descartes; Hobbes’s Moral and Political Philosophy; Hume on Religion,