Studying at York
Early Modern Philosophy B - PHI00002C
Module summary
Early Modern Philosophy introduces students to key themes in C17th and C18th philosophy - important philosophical topics that continue to be discussed today. The module is primarily seminar based; groups will study themed extracts from the work of major philosophers of the period, identifying points of agreement and difference, and understanding the different ways a problem can be addressed.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2021-22 |
Module aims
To teach students to read and closely study passages of original C17th/C18th philosophy, to learn how philosophical arguments are structured and to confront central issues in the subject.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students should have acquired:
- skills in reading, interpreting, and responding to primary texts in philosophy
- an understanding of some of the distinctive features of philosophical reasoning as exemplified in passages from the early modern period (17th and 18th centuries)
- a grasp of some key issues in philosophy
- the ability to engage in philosophical discussion with others
Module content
This module is primarily taught in seminars. Note that a number of classes listed as 'lectures' may involve other forms of whole-cohort activity. For example: discussion; debate; student presentations; question and answer; recap sessions; skills training.
Assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Online Exam Early Modern Philosophy B |
N/A | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The formative assessment will consist of a set of answers to three questions from one of the weekly readings from Weeks 2 to 6. The assignment will be no more than 750 words total, with approx. 250 words per answer to each question and will be due in Week 7 of the Autumn Term.
Reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Online Exam Early Modern Philosophy B |
N/A | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback on formative work will be provided within 2 teaching weeks of submission. Feedback on summative work will be provided 4 weeks after the exam .
Indicative reading
Essential seminar reading will be provided in a reading pack. Students are encouraged to read further in the works from which these extracts are taken and other works of the period, for example:
George Berkeley: Principles of Human Knowledge and Three Dialogues
Rene Descartes: Meditations and Discourse on the Method
David Hume: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
John Locke: Book 1 of An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
