Introduction To Philosophy And Logic
- DE&GS
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 136 pages
- 23 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of philosophy and logic. It explores the definition and scope of philosophy, its methods, and branches, including metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. The course also examines the relationship between philosophy and other disciplines like science, religion, education, and law. Furthermore, it delves into logic, covering its vocabulary, arguments, fallacies, and the laws of thought, aiming to enhance critical thinking and reasoning skills.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 60 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Computer based tests
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of GST203, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
GST203 · Unit 1: Definition and Scope of Philosophy
This study unit introduces you to the definition and scope of philosophy as a discipline. The unit will focus particularly on the controversial nature of the definition or conception of philosophy, it will consider both the layman and academics conceptions and understandings of philosophy.
What you should be able to do
- Apply philosophical thoughts on daily activities
- Integrate philosophical thoughts in different fields of study
- Identify and evaluate different types of arguments
- Recognize and avoid common fallacies in reasoning
- Apply the laws of thought to analyze statements
- Define and classify different types of definitions
What it prepares you for
- Policy Analyst
- Critical Thinking Consultant
- Legal Analyst
- Ethics Officer
- Academic Researcher
- Government
- Law
- Education
- Consulting
- Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: History and Development of Philosophy
Unit 3: Modern Period of Philosophy
The unit requires understanding of complex historical contexts and philosophical movements across different eras, demanding critical analysis and synthesis of diverse ideas.
- Module 4: Fallacies and Definitions
Unit 1: Fallacies (Part One)
This unit involves the application of abstract concepts to real-world arguments, requiring careful attention to detail and the ability to identify subtle errors in reasoning.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 41 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: An Overview of Philosophy
Unit 1: Definition and Scope of Philosophy · 3 hours
Define philosophy and its various conceptions.. Discuss the under-labourer and master scientist conceptions.. Explain philosophy as clarification of concepts and the love of wisdom..
- Week 2Module 1: An Overview of Philosophy
Unit 2: Methods of Philosophy · 3 hours
Explain the Socratic method and its importance.. Discuss Plato's synthetic method.. Describe pragmatic method and skepticism..
- Week 3Module 1: An Overview of Philosophy
Unit 3: Branches of Philosophy · 3 hours
Differentiate between logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics.. Discuss the concerns of each branch of philosophy.. Explain the importance of each branch in philosophical inquiry..
- Week 4Module 1: An Overview of Philosophy
Unit 4: Philosophy and other Disciplines Contents · 3 hours
Analyze the relationship between philosophy and science.. Compare and contrast philosophy and religion.. Discuss the role of philosophy in education and law..
- Week 5Module 1: An Overview of Philosophy
Unit 5: The Usefulness of Philosophy · 3 hours
Discuss the usefulness of philosophy in fostering reflection.. Explain how philosophy provides a sense of direction.. Analyze the intellectual and moral relevance of philosophy..
- Week 6Module 1: An Overview of Philosophy
Unit 6: Sources of Knowledge and Criteria for Knowing · 3 hours
Differentiate between knowledge, opinion, and belief.. Discuss the common-sense and philosophical understanding of knowledge.. Identify and discuss the different sources of knowledge..
- Week 7Module 2: History and Development of Philosophy
Unit 1: The Ancient Age of Philosophy · 3 hours
Discuss the philosophical events of the Pre-Socratic age.. Identify philosophers that dominated the Socratic age.. Explain the main philosophical preoccupations of the Ancient Age..
- Week 8Module 2: History and Development of Philosophy
Unit 2: Medieval and Renaissance Age of Philosophy · 3 hours
Discuss the nature of philosophy in the medieval period.. Identify the various groups of philosophy that existed in the medieval period.. Explain the philosophical doctrines of the Islamic and Christian philosophers..
- Week 9Module 2: History and Development of Philosophy
Unit 3: Modern Period of Philosophy · 3 hours
Identify the various philosophical schools that emanated in the modern age.. Differentiate the philosophical beliefs and practices of these schools.. Discuss the philosophical tenets of this period..
- Week 10Module 2: History and Development of Philosophy
Unit 4: Philosophical Movements In The Contemporary Period · 3 hours
Identify the various philosophical traditions that are thriving in the contemporary time.. Explain the philosophical traditions and the possible problems associated with them.. Analyze the impacts of philosophical theories on societal development..
- Week 11Module 2: History and Development of Philosophy
Unit 5: The Idea of African Philosophy · 3 hours
Analyze the philosophical existence in every culture.. Evaluate the idea of African philosophy in human belief.. Discuss the currents in African Philosophy..
- Week 12Module 1: An Overview of Philosophy
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review all modules and units.. Work on assignments and discussion forums.. Prepare for computer-based tests..
- Week 13Module 3: Logic
Final Revision · 4 hours
Complete all outstanding assignments.. Participate in discussion forums.. Final preparation for examinations..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Module 1's philosophical concepts.
- Practice identifying fallacies from Module 4 in news articles weekly.
- Review definitions from Units 3-4 weekly, focusing on examples.
- Summarize key arguments from Module 5, Units 1-2.
- Allocate specific time slots for each module weekly, prioritizing difficult units.
- Form study groups to discuss and debate complex philosophical ideas.
- Review all TMAs and discussion forum contributions for key concepts.
- Focus on understanding the application of logic in real-world scenarios.
Questions students ask about this course
What is GST203 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of philosophy and logic. It explores the definition and scope of philosophy, its methods, and branches, including metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. The course also examines the relationship between philosophy and other disciplines like science, religion, education, and law. Furthermore, it delves into logic, covering its vocabulary, arguments, fallacies, and the laws of thought, aiming to enhance critical thinking and reasoning skills.
How many units does GST203 have?
GST203, Introduction To Philosophy And Logic, has 23 units across 5 modules, over 136 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is GST203?
GST203 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in DE&GS.
Is GST203 hard?
GST203 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does GST203 take to study?
About 60 hours of study, spread across its 23 units.
How is GST203 assessed?
GST203 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments, computer based tests and final examination.
What can I do with GST203?
Policy Analyst, Critical Thinking Consultant, Legal Analyst, Ethics Officer and Academic Researcher.