Module:

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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Module Title
Module Code	(ITS: TP142)
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

Description

This module provides an introductory survey of major figures, movements, and themes in Western philosophy. Students will develop knowledge in major themes and issues in philosophy, along with enhanced analytical, critical and communication skills, including engagement with key texts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and understanding of central philosophers and concepts in the history of Western philosophy;
2. engage with particular issues and themes within the main currents of Western thought;
3. understand the relevance of key philosophical concerns, and their implications for and possible application in a variety of other fields;
4. demonstrate an enhanced appreciation of key elements in Western intellectual culture;
5. enjoy enhanced insight and reflexivity regarding their own values, principles and outlook.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Directed learning	74	No Description
Assignment Completion	50	No Description
Independent Study	39.5	No Description
Total Workload: 187.5

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

Classical Thought 1. From myth to logos: the emergence of philosophy in ancient

Greece 2. Humanising the logos: the Sophists and Socrates

3. Plato: the search for truth beyond the flux

4. Aristotle: bringing Plato down to earth?

Late Classical and Early Medieval Philosophy 1. The legacy of Augustine

2. Main themes in the Philosophy of Aquinas.

Modern Thought 6. Descartes and the Rise of the Sel

7. Hume's Scepticism

8. Kant: Critical Philosophy & the Enlightenment

9. Nietzsche: philosophy as anti-philosophy

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Plato: 1987, Early Socratic Dialogues, Penguin, London,
Plato: 2001, Gorgias, Virginia Tech, Blacksgurg,
Plato: 1955, Republic, Penguin, Middlesex,
D.Luscombe: 1997, Medieval Thought, Oxford University Press, New York,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None