Objectives and competences
The aim of the subject is to introduce students to the basics of philosophy, i.e. to knowledge and understanding of methodological grounds of philosophy and development of elements of philosophical thinking, such as the ability to think critically, to construct arguments in defence of one's own positions, and conceptual analysis.
Content (Syllabus outline)
The course will introduce students to philosophy through an examination of some of the most fundamental philosophical problems from a number of the different branches of philosophy (philosophy of religion, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, philosophy of mind ...).
What, if anything, can we know?
Mind and body
Are we free?
Right and wrong
What is art?
Does God exist?
Death and the meaning of life.
Learning and teaching methods
? Lectures with discussion;
? Seminars: presentations and discussion.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
With the help of reflection, questioning, analysis and argumentation, students are expected to demonstrate at the end of the course:
? insight into, and understanding of basic characteristics of philosophical thinking;
? ability to identify the underlying issues in different kinds of debate;
? ability to grasp the problem and to solve it:;
? conceptualisation of his/her philosophical activity;
? readiness for recognition, evaluation and tolerance of other parties' arguments.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
In the end of the course students will be expected to be able to solve a given philosophical problem on the basis of knowledge and understanding of philosophical perspectives in the context of personal experience. This ability includes questioning, conceptual analysis, argument.
Readings
Solomon, R. C. (1994). The Big Questions: A Short Introduction to Philosophy. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.
Nagel, T. (1995). Za kaj sploh gre. Ljubljana: Republiški izpitni center.
Washburn, P. (1997). Philosophical Dilemmas. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Palmer, D. (2002). Ali središče drži. Ljubljana: DZS.
Miščević, N. et al. (2006). Filozofija za gimnazije. Ljubljana: Mladinska knjiga.
Miller, D. (2007). Politična filozofija. Ljubljana: Krtina.
Okasha, S. (2008). Filozofija znanosti. Ljubljana: Krtina.
Additional information on implementation and assessment ? Written exam (written exam can be substituted by two midterm exams with passing grades). - 50 %
? Completed seminar with presentation, attendance and active collaboration. - 50 %
Each of the mentioned commitments must be assessed with a passing grade.
