Introduction To Philosophy
- Arts
- 100 level
- 3 credit units
- 243 pages
- 23 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods of philosophy. It explores the meaning and nature of philosophy, its various branches, and its relationship to other disciplines. The course also examines issues within the African philosophical tradition and philosophical orientations in other traditions. Students will develop critical thinking skills and gain an understanding of philosophical inquiry.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 90 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments (TMAs)
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHL101, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1: WESTERN PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITION I: ANCIENT, MEDIEVAL AND EARLY MODERN PERIODSPage 208
- UNIT TWO: WESTERN PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITION II: RECENT MODERN AND EARLY CONTEMPORARY PERIODSPage 219
- UNIT 3: EASTERN (ASIAN) PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITION IPage 225
- UNIT FOUR: EASTERN (ASIAN) PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITION IIPage 234
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHL101 · UNIT 1: MEANING AND NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is in contrast generally to a movement like Christianity which has a built-in motivation for changing the world by the conversion of people to its cause. Traditional philosophy has concerned itself more with academic questions. But there is the underlying assumption: if you know what is right and good, you will proceed to do it.
What you should be able to do
- Define philosophy and explain its key concepts
- Explain the philosophical method and its differences from the scientific method
- Identify and explain the various branches of philosophy
- Discuss issues within the African philosophical tradition
- Examine philosophical orientations in other traditions
What it prepares you for
- Critical Thinker
- Policy Analyst
- Ethical Consultant
- Researcher
- Educator
- Education
- Law
- Politics
- Consulting
- Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Understanding Philosophy
Unit 1: Meaning and Nature of Philosophy
The abstract nature of philosophical inquiry and the multiple approaches to defining philosophy can be initially challenging.
- Module 4: Branches of Philosophy
Unit 1: Epistemology
Understanding the nuances of different theories of justification requires careful analysis and critical thinking.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Understanding Philosophy
Unit 1: Meaning and Nature of Philosophy · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and learning outcomes.. Study the historical and language approaches to defining philosophy.. Analyze the concepts of philosophy as questions, criticism, and change..
- Week 2Module 1: Understanding Philosophy
Unit 2: Conceptions of Philosophy · 2 hours
Compare and contrast philosophy as a worldview, way of life, and academic discipline.. Examine the contributions of Thales, Lucretius, and Hegel.. Reflect on the role of philosophy in guiding human life..
- Week 3Module 1: Understanding Philosophy
Unit 3: Features of Philosophy · 2 hours
Identify and explain the basic features of philosophy: analysis, clarity, criticism, coherence, and conciseness.. Understand the role of logic and argumentation in philosophical discourse.. Analyze the importance of language in philosophical expression..
- Week 4Module 1: Understanding Philosophy
Unit 4: Method of Philosophy · 2 hours
Compare and contrast philosophical methods with scientific methods.. Study the Socratic, dialectical, Cartesian, phenomenological, and speculative methods.. Apply these methods to philosophical problems..
- Week 5Module 2: The Value of Philosophy
Unit 1: The Value of Philosophy to the Individual who Studies it · 2 hours
Examine the value of epistemology, logic, ethics, and metaphysics to the individual.. Reflect on how philosophy enhances understanding, problem-solving, and moral reasoning..
- Week 6Module 2: The Value of Philosophy
Unit 2: The Value of Philosophy to Other Disciplines · 2 hours
Discuss the value of philosophy to law, education, religion, and business.. Analyze how philosophy informs ethical decision-making and critical thinking in various disciplines..
- Week 7Module 2: The Value of Philosophy
Unit 3: The Value of Philosophy to the Society · 2 hours
Examine the value of epistemology, logic, ethics, and metaphysics to society.. Discuss how philosophy promotes peaceful coexistence, critical thinking, and social progress..
- Week 8Module 2: The Value of Philosophy
Unit 4: Political philosophy and social engineering · 2 hours
Explore the relationship between political philosophy and social engineering.. Discuss the views of political philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, Rawls, and Nyerere.. Analyze the relevance of democracy, human rights, justice, and the rule of law to societal development..
- Week 9Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines
Unit 1: The concern of philosophy with other disciplines · 2 hours
Understand philosophy as a second-order activity.. Examine the relationship between philosophy and other disciplines.. Discuss the role of philosophy in critical analysis and interdisciplinary integration..
- Week 10Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines
Unit 2: Philosophy of religion · 2 hours
Explore the relationship between philosophy and religion.. Analyze the idea of God and the human search for God.. Discuss the philosophical implications of religious beliefs and practices..
- Week 11Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines
Unit 3: Philosophy of science · 2 hours
Examine the relationship between philosophy and science.. Understand the features and aims of science.. Discuss the scientific method and its limitations..
- Week 12Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines
Unit 4: Philosophy of the social sciences · 2 hours
Explore the relationship between philosophy and the social sciences.. Understand the notion of the social sciences.. Discuss the role of critical theory in social analysis..
- Week 13Module 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review all modules and units.. Work on assignments and TMAs.. Prepare for final examinations..
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of key philosophical terms from Unit 1
- Create concept maps linking branches of philosophy (Module 4)
- Practice identifying logical fallacies from Unit 2 weekly
- Summarize the main arguments for and against African philosophy (Module 5)
- Compare and contrast different philosophical traditions (Module 6) in essay format
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHL101 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods of philosophy. It explores the meaning and nature of philosophy, its various branches, and its relationship to other disciplines. The course also examines issues within the African philosophical tradition and philosophical orientations in other traditions. Students will develop critical thinking skills and gain an understanding of philosophical inquiry.
How many units does PHL101 have?
PHL101, Introduction To Philosophy, has 23 units across 6 modules, over 243 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHL101?
PHL101 carries 3 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is PHL101 hard?
PHL101 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does PHL101 take to study?
About 90 hours of study, spread across its 23 units.
How is PHL101 assessed?
PHL101 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments (TMAs) and Final Examination.
What can I do with PHL101?
Critical Thinker, Policy Analyst, Ethical Consultant, Researcher and Educator.