Examen Philosophicum IS (SVEXPHIL)

Content

The course is focused on four main themes:

Epistemology and science: the course provides an introduction to epistemology, scientific method and philosophy of science. In addition, there will also be a focus on argumentation and critical thinking.

Philosophical anthropology: the course provides an introduction to philosophical positions regarding human nature and human dignity. Central themes are free will, consciousness, the self, and scientific explanations of human behaviour.

Ethics: the course provides an introduction to various ethical theories, ethical argumentation and moral formation. Here, the perspectives of moral philosophy will be used to better understand important ethical issues, with a view to the interaction between the individual and society.

Political philosophy: the course provides an introduction to political philosophy, and deals with political legitimacy, freedom and rights as some of the most important areas of politics. Political philosophy has a long history. The syllabus will focus on thinkers and perspectives that are relevant to today's political discussions.

Learning outcome

On successful completion of the course, students are expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

Students will

• have knowledge of fundamental philosophical issues that are discussed in fields such as epistemology and theory of science, philosophical anthropology, ethics, and political philosophy
• be familiar with fundamental concepts and theories from the fields of epistemology and theory of science, philosophical anthropology, ethics, and political philosophy
• have basic knowledge about the different disciplines and fields within science, their common ground and their distinctive characteristics

Skills

Students will

• be able to reflect independently on fundamental issues that are discussed in fields such as epistemology and philosophy of science, philosophical anthropology, ethics, and political philosophy
• be able to discuss claims made by others and argue independently for their own conclusions

General competencies

Students will

• get a basic understanding of academic standards and norms
• be able to relate critically to how scientific knowledge is produced

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

All of the compulsory activities must be approved in order for the student to be eligible for examination. Approval/non-approval of compulsory activities is announced on Studentweb, normally no later than 7 days before the examination. Students who lack approval of one or more compulsory activities will be withdrawn from the examination.

Compulsary activities:

• Seminars: Preparation for, attendance and participation in five seminars. Students who have less than 75% attendance at the seminars lose the right to take the examination, regardless of the reason.
• Written submission: Written exercise/submission (one or partial submissions). A detailed activity plan will be provided by the course coordinator at the start of the teaching. Weighting expression approved/not approved.

Course teacher(s)

Study Program Director:

Course coordinator:

Method of work

1. Lectures (12 x 2 hours)
2. Teacher-assisted seminars (6 x 2 hours)
3. Self-study.

The seminars will prepare the students for the exam. They will be thematically linked to the lectures and will be set up on the assumption that these are followed.

Open for

Literature