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PHL106Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Problems Of Philosophy

This course introduces the core problems in philosophy from ancient to contemporary times. It explores metaphysical problems such as the problem of one and many, change and permanence, universals and particulars, substance, and the mind/body problem. It also covers normative problems like the Gettier problem, appearance and reality, and freewill and determinism, as well as problems in the philosophy of religion, including the existence of God and the problem of good and evil. The course aims to enable students to understand and discuss these fundamental philosophical issues.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
MetaphysicsEpistemologyPhilosophy of ReligionFree WillProblem of Evil

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Metaphysics

2

Epistemology

3

Philosophy of Mind

4

Ethics

5

Philosophy of Religion

6

Free Will and Determinism

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

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Critical Thinker

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Policy Analyst

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Researcher

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Ethical Consultant

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Academic

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

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Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I

2h

Unit 1: Problem of One and Many

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the different perspectives on the problem of one and many.
  • •Identify the schools of thought related to the problem.
  • •Reflect on examples illustrating the problem.
Week
2

Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I

2h

Unit 2: Problem of Change and Permanence

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Analyze the concepts of change and permanence.
  • •Study the views of Heraclitus and Parmenides.
  • •Consider examples illustrating the problem of change and permanence.
Week
3

Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I

2h

Unit 3: Problem of Universals and Particulars

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Explore the problem of universals and particulars.
  • •Understand the distinction between particulars and universals.
  • •Reflect on the dilemma of defining universal concepts.
Week
4

Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I

2h

Unit 4: Problem of Substance

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Define the concept of substance.
  • •Study Aristotle's description of substance and its properties.
  • •Compare different philosophers' views on substance.
Week
5

Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I

2h

Unit 5: Mind/Body Problem

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Define the mind/body problem.
  • •Study the different theories: Interactionism, Parallelism, Occasionalism, Epiphenomenalism, and the Double Aspect Theory.
  • •Reflect on the relationship between the mind and the body.
Week
6

Module 2: Metaphysical Problem II

2h

Unit 1: Problem of Existence and Essence

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the problem of existence and essence.
  • •Study the views of Plato, Aristotle, Sartre, and Husserl.
  • •Reflect on whether essence precedes existence or vice versa.
Week
7

Module 2: Metaphysical Problem II

2h

Unit 2: Cause and Effect

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Define cause and effect.
  • •Study Aristotle's four types of causes.
  • •Understand the concepts of necessary and sufficient conditions.
Week
8

Module 2: Metaphysical Problem II

2h

Unit 3: Problem of Space and Time

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Explore the problem of space and time.
  • •Study the views of Democritus, Kant, Bergson, and Augustine.
  • •Reflect on whether space and time are real or illusory.
Week
9

Module 2: Metaphysical Problem II

2h

Unit 4: Problem of Being

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Define the problem of being.
  • •Study Heidegger's conception of being and Dasein.
  • •Understand being in the context of African metaphysics.
Week
10

Module 3: Normative Problem

2h

Unit 1: Gettier Problem

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the Gettier problem.
  • •Study Gettier's counterexamples to the justified true belief definition of knowledge.
  • •Reflect on the implications of the Gettier problem for epistemology.
Week
11

Module 3: Normative Problem

2h

Unit 2: Problem of Perception/Appearance and Reality

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explore the problem of appearance and reality.
  • •Study Russell's discussion of the distinction between appearance and reality.
  • •Reflect on examples illustrating the problem.
Week
12

Module 3: Normative Problem

2h

Unit 3: Freewill and Determinism

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Define the problem of freewill and determinism.
  • •Study the different types of determinism.
  • •Understand soft and hard determinism.
Week
13

Module 4: Problem of Philosophy of Religion

4h

Unit 1: Problem of Existence of God

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Explore the arguments for the existence of God.
  • •Study the ontological, cosmological, and teleological arguments.
  • •Reflect on the criticisms of these arguments.

Unit 2: Problem of Good and Evil

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Understand the problem of evil.
  • •Study the logical and evidential forms of the problem.
  • •Reflect on theodicies and attempted solutions to the problem.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking metaphysical problems in Modules 1 and 2.

2

Compare and contrast arguments for and against determinism in Unit 3 of Module 3.

3

Practice identifying the logical fallacies in arguments related to the problem of evil (Module 4).

4

Review key philosophers and their positions on each problem.

5

Focus on understanding the core concepts and arguments rather than memorizing details.

6

Use the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) to guide your self-study in the course.

7

Carefully work through each unit and make your notes.

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