MA Philosophy

This course takes a tour through some landmark philosophical papers, ranging across all areas of philosophy. It will introduce you to some texts from areas, authors and epochs that are otherwise underrepresented in our curriculum, and about which a staff member has notable expertise.

This course unit aims to exploit the breadth and depth of research expertise in the Philosophy DA, by offering students a programme of study that is genuinely research-led and which connects with areas of staff members’ ongoing research. The course unit aims to introduce students to some central and classic texts in philosophy, and to develop their ability to interpret and critique those texts in the light of the historical context within which they were written.

On successful completion of this course unit, students will be able to:

·         Understand and contextualise some key views and arguments of the philosophers and texts studied.

·         Develop their own critical responses to the texts discussed.

·         Present a sustained well-informed and well-organised argument on one of the topics covered.

·         Engage with one another in philosophical discussions a critical yet respectful manner.

On successful completion of this course unit, participants should have developed:

·         Problem solving skills.

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Teaching will take place in weekly two-hour seminars. Each week a different tutor will lead the class on an article in an area of philosophy where they have special expertise. Students will be required thoroughly to read the article in advance of the seminar, and to prepare questions or comments on it. The session will then consist of group-based discussion of the article, together with some contextualising from the tutor wherever appropriate. Attendance and preparation are compulsory but not assessed. Marks will be deducted if you fail to attend or prepare without good reason.

Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their private reading and writing assignments one-to-one with the tutor.

3000 word essay - 100%

• Sally Haslanger (2000) “Gender and Race: (What) Are They? (What) Do We Want Them to Be?, Noûs 34 (1):31–55.
• Kendall L. Walton (1970) “Categories of Art”, The Philosophical Review, Vol. 79, No. 3, pp. 334-367.