Overview

This module traces the development of philosophical thought from the early modern period to the modern era and into the postmodern critique, focusing on key figures and movements that shaped and challenged ideas about reason, existence, ethics, and community.

Beginning with foundational thinkers like Descartes and Kant, the module explores the rationalist and empiricist roots of philosophy. It then examines the ethical and seismic shifts brought by thinkers including Rousseau and Schopenhauer, emphasizing their contributions to ideas of freedom, morality, and the human condition.

The latter part of the module addresses modern and postmodern developments, including Wittgenstein’s linguistic turn, Elizabeth Anscombe’s moral philosophy and Buber’s philosophy of dialogue.

By engaging with these thinkers, students will explore how philosophical traditions evolved to address issues of identity, community, language, and ethics in a changing world.

This module traces the development of philosophical thought from the early modern period to the modern era and into the postmodern critique, focusing on key figures and movements that shaped and challenged ideas about reason, existence, ethics, and community.

Beginning with foundational thinkers like Descartes and Kant, the module explores the rationalist and empiricist roots of philosophy. It then examines the ethical and seismic shifts brought by thinkers including Rousseau and Schopenhauer, emphasizing their contributions to ideas of freedom, morality, and the human condition.

The later part of the module addresses modern and postmodern developments, including Wittgenstein’s linguistic turn, Elizabeth Anscombe’s moral philosophy and Buber’s philosophy of dialogue.

By engaging with these thinkers, students will explore how philosophical traditions evolved to address issues of identity, community, language, and ethics in a changing world.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent A- to A*:

Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: - Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. - Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. - Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Very Good B- to B+:

Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: - Very good structure and logically developed arguments. - Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. - Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. - Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Good C- to C +;

Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: - Good structure and logically developed arguments. - At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. - Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. - Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Threshold: D- to D +:

Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: - Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. - Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. - Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. - Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Learning Outcomes

• Accurately explain how the philosophies of key figures have influenced, and continue to influence, modern and postmodern thought.

• Apply philosophical concepts and frameworks from thinkers like Descartes, Kant, and Wittgenstein to analyse and interpret ideas about reason, existence, ethics, and community.

• Communicate philosophical ideas effectively in written and oral forms, using appropriate terminology and argumentation to engage with complex texts and debates.

• Identify and critically evaluate the connections between philosophical traditions and their responses to social, cultural, and ethical challenges.