PY2011 Foundations of Western Philosophy

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

3.00 pm - 4.00 pm Mon, Tue, Thu

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof J Timmermann

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module provides an introduction to central figures, texts and ideas of the period of Ancient Philosophy. Classical Greek philosophy - specifically the works of Plato and Aristotle - will always be at the core of the module. The study of Plato and Aristotle can serve as a focus for discussing either earlier (presocratic) or later philosophical developments. Themes covered will include: the nature of thought, natural science, the human mind, the theory of knowledge, metaphysics and the good life of the individual and of society.

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

100% CW: 3500 word 7-day Take Home Assessment

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures and 1 tutorial.

Scheduled learning hours

39

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

161

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Strengthen their familiarity with major aspects of ancient philosophy
  • Draw on an understanding of how these ancient themes constitute the roots of the whole western philosophical tradition
  • Analyse and evaluate the ancient arguments, and draw comparisons between the ancient theories and their modern counterparts
  • Think and write clearly about the material, and discuss it from a critical perspective and with historical understanding