Philosophy
Current Students: Undergraduates
PHI912 - Mind, Value and Reality
Does God exist? What is consciousness? On what does our personal identity depend? Are we motivated only by self-interest? In this module we shall examine these and other questions bearing on the nature of human beings, their place in the world, and the obligations to which they are subject. We shall address metaphysical topics from the philosophy of religion and the philosophy of mind, along with issues concerning human motivation and values. We will examine an influential argument which purports to show that God exists, and assess whether the existence of evil in the world gives us good reason to believe that God does not exist. We will attempt to gain a clearer understanding of some central questions in the philosophy of mind, such as what fact (or set of facts) guarantees a person’s identity over time, and whether it is only human beings who have the power of thought. We will consider some related ethical questions, such as whether human beings are responsible for their actions, and whether we are essentially egoistic. We will consider to what extent we are morally obliged to give to famine relief, and whether abortion is justified. Finally, we will reflect on the value of life, and the significance of death.
Outcomes
The module will introduce students to some of the central issues in metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, and applied moral philosophy. It also aims, as do all Philosophy modules, to improve students’ skills in critical reading, critical thinking, and oral communication, through participation in seminars and the writing of essays. (See section B of the Philosophy Student Handbook for more details.)
Texts
The set text for this module is:
Joel Feinberg and Russ Shafer-Landau (eds.) Reason and Responsibility: Readings in Some Basic Problems of Philosophy, 14th Edition, Thomson, Wadsworth, 2010.
Availability: |
The module is available to any student who has not already completed a level 9 or 10 module in Philosophy. |
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Prerequisites: |
None |
Assessment: |
One compulsory essay (50%) and one two-hour examination (50%). Students may choose to submit a second essay to improve their coursework grade. |
Teaching Pattern: |
Two one-hour lectures, and one one-hour seminar each week. |
Regulations: |
For the purposes of the University’s attendance regulation 14, seminars are prescribed classes. The rationale for prescribing these classes may be found in the Philosophy Student Handbook, section F. This section also contains regulations relating to the submission of coursework, and other matters. |
Lecturers: |
Rowan Cruft, Adrian Haddock (Module Co-ordinator), Simon Hope, Colin Johnston, Mike Wheeler. |
Please contact Adrian Haddock if you would like to know more about this module.