Introduction To Problems Of Philosophy
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 100 pages
- 13 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHL106, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHL106 · Unit 2: The Problem of Change and Permanence
In this unit, we have examined the problem of one and many otherwise known as the problem of unity and diversity in Philosophy. In doing this, we examined the three main schools of thought in the problem of one and many and the ideologies they uphold. This unit also reviewed some philosophers’ positions on the problem of one and many.
What you should be able to do
- Identify core problems in philosophy.
- Recognize philosophers associated with specific philosophical problems.
- Explain philosophical problems in detail.
- Discuss various views on philosophical problems.
- Examine different reactions to philosophical discussions.
- Identify alternative views on philosophical problems.
- Attempt solutions to philosophical problems.
What it prepares you for
- Critical Thinker
- Policy Analyst
- Researcher
- Ethical Consultant
- Academic
- Academia
- Research Institutions
- Government
- Non-profit Organizations
- Consulting
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I
Unit 5: Mind/Body Problem
Advanced concepts of mind-body dualism and interaction require careful analysis of consciousness and physical causation.
- Module 2: Metaphysical Problem II
Unit 3: Problem of Space and Time
Understanding the nuances of different perspectives requires careful consideration of temporal logic and the nature of change.
- Module 3: Normative Problem
Unit 1: Gettier Problem
Analyzing the complexities of knowledge and justification requires careful examination of counterexamples and epistemological theories.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I
Unit 1: Problem of One and Many · 2 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 2Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I
Unit 2: Problem of Change and Permanence · 2 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 3Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I
Unit 3: Problem of Universals and Particulars · 2 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 4Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I
Unit 4: Problem of Substance · 2 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 5Module 1: Metaphysical Problem I
Unit 5: Mind/Body Problem · 2 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 6Module 2: Metaphysical Problem II
Unit 1: Problem of Existence and Essence · 2 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 7Module 2: Metaphysical Problem II
Unit 2: Cause and Effect · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Define cause and effect.. Study Aristotle's four types of causes.. Understand the concepts of necessary and sufficient conditions..
- Week 8Module 2: Metaphysical Problem II
Unit 3: Problem of Space and Time · 2 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 9Module 2: Metaphysical Problem II
Unit 4: Problem of Being · 2 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 10Module 3: Normative Problem
Unit 1: Gettier Problem · 2 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 11Module 3: Normative Problem
Unit 2: Problem of Perception/Appearance and Reality · 2 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 12Module 3: Normative Problem
Unit 3: Freewill and Determinism · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Define the problem of freewill and determinism.. Study the different types of determinism.. Understand soft and hard determinism..
- Week 13Module 4: Problem of Philosophy of Religion
Unit 1: Problem of Existence of God · 2 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 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking metaphysical problems in Modules 1 and 2.
- Compare and contrast arguments for and against determinism in Unit 3 of Module 3.
- Practice identifying the logical fallacies in arguments related to the problem of evil (Module 4).
- Review key philosophers and their positions on each problem.
- Focus on understanding the core concepts and arguments rather than memorizing details.
- Use the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) to guide your self-study in the course.
- Carefully work through each unit and make your notes.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHL106 about?
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.
How many units does PHL106 have?
PHL106, Introduction To Problems Of Philosophy, has 13 units across 4 modules, over 100 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHL106?
PHL106 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is PHL106 hard?
PHL106 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does PHL106 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is PHL106 assessed?
PHL106 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PHL106?
Critical Thinker, Policy Analyst, Researcher, Ethical Consultant and Academic.