Research Method in Philosophy
- Arts
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 144 pages
- 18 units
This course provides an in-depth study of research methods in philosophy. It explores the purpose, methods, styles, features, and tools used in philosophical inquiries. The course covers techniques of language, logic, and arguments, emphasizing rigour, coherence, clarity, and concision. Students will learn about style sheets like MLA and APA, and methods such as dialectical, phenomenological, and hermeneutical approaches. The course also addresses the structure of philosophical research and writing.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, research
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHL372, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHL372 · UNIT 2: THE MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION (MLA) STYLE SHEET
This unit gives a brief history of the Modern Language Association (MLA) Style Sheet and explains some variations in the MLA from the 8th Edition to the 9th Edition. It concludes with a detailed explanation of how the Modern Language Association (MLA) Style Sheet is used.
What you should be able to do
- State the purpose of philosophical research.
- Describe basic methods of research in philosophy.
- Explain relevant research and reference methods.
- Recall the basic features and tools of research in philosophy.
- Discuss the forms, approaches, and steps of research and writing in philosophy.
- Understand the structure of research in philosophy.
What it prepares you for
- Researcher
- Philosopher
- Analyst
- Educator
- Consultant
- Academia
- Research Institutions
- Consulting
- Education
- Policy Making
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Methods of Research in Philosophy
Unit 1: The Phenomenological Method
The phenomenological method requires a deep understanding of subjective experiences and the ability to bracket personal biases, which can be challenging for beginners.
- Module 2: Methods of Research in Philosophy
Unit 3: The Dialectical Method
The dialectical method involves understanding contradictory processes and synthesizing opposing viewpoints, demanding strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 15 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Modern Style Sheets and Reference Methods
Unit 1: History and Purpose of Style Sheets · 1 hour
Understand the definition of referencing.. Explore the history of referencing.. Identify the purposes of referencing..
- Week 2Module 1: Modern Style Sheets and Reference Methods
Unit 2: The Modern Language Association (MLA) Style Sheet · 1 hour
Analyze the structure of the MLA style sheet.. Apply MLA guidelines to cite sources.. Understand the variations between MLA editions..
- Week 3Module 1: Modern Style Sheets and Reference Methods
Unit 3: The American Psychological Association (APA) Style Sheet · 1 hour
Examine the APA style sheet.. Apply APA guidelines to cite sources.. Differentiate APA from other style sheets..
- Week 4Module 1: Modern Style Sheets and Reference Methods
Unit 4: The Chicago Manual of Style · 1 hour
Explore the Chicago Manual of Style.. Apply CMOS guidelines to cite sources.. Understand the variations in CMOS..
- Week 5Module 2: Methods of Research in Philosophy
Unit 1: The Phenomenological Method · 1 hour
Define phenomenology.. Understand the key aspects of the phenomenological method.. Apply phenomenological principles to research..
- Week 6Module 2: Methods of Research in Philosophy
Unit 2: The Hermeneutical Method · 1 hour
Define hermeneutics.. Trace the historical development of hermeneutics.. Apply hermeneutics as a method of research..
- Week 7Module 2: Methods of Research in Philosophy
Unit 3: The Dialectical Method · 1 hour
Explain the meaning of dialectics.. Trace the history of the dialectical method.. Differentiate between Socratic, Hegelian, and Marxian dialectics..
- Week 8Module 2: Methods of Research in Philosophy
Unit 4: The Analytical Method · 1 hour
Explain the meaning of analysis.. Trace the history of the analytic movement.. Apply analytic methods to philosophical research..
- Week 9Module 3: Features and Tools of Research in Philosophy
Unit 1: Features: Rigour and Coherence · 1 hour
Understand the features of rigour and coherence.. Apply rigour and coherence in philosophical writing.. Evaluate the impact of these features on research..
- Week 10Module 3: Features and Tools of Research in Philosophy
Unit 2: Features: Clarity and Concision · 1 hour
Understand the features of clarity and concision.. Apply clarity and concision in philosophical writing.. Evaluate the impact of these features on research..
- Week 11Module 3: Features and Tools of Research in Philosophy
Unit 3: Tools: Language · 1 hour
Understand the role of language in research.. Apply language correctly in philosophical writing.. Identify key points in language usage..
- Week 12Module 3: Features and Tools of Research in Philosophy
Unit 4: Tools: Logic · 1 hour
Understand the role of logic in research.. Apply logic correctly in philosophical writing.. Identify key points in logical reasoning..
- Week 13Module 5: Structure of Research and Writing in Philosophy
Final Revision · 3 hours
Review all modules and units.. Prepare for presentations and assignments.. Complete any outstanding coursework..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Modules 1-3 style sheets and research methods.
- Practice applying different citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago) to sample texts.
- Review the key features of philosophical research (rigour, coherence, clarity, concision).
- Outline the steps involved in conducting philosophical research (sourcing materials, identifying research problems, formulating a thesis).
- Focus on understanding the core principles of logic and argumentation.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHL372 about?
This course provides an in-depth study of research methods in philosophy. It explores the purpose, methods, styles, features, and tools used in philosophical inquiries. The course covers techniques of language, logic, and arguments, emphasizing rigour, coherence, clarity, and concision. Students will learn about style sheets like MLA and APA, and methods such as dialectical, phenomenological, and hermeneutical approaches. The course also addresses the structure of philosophical research and writing.
How many units does PHL372 have?
PHL372, Research Method in Philosophy, has 18 units across 5 modules, over 144 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHL372?
PHL372 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Arts.
Is PHL372 hard?
PHL372 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and research work.
How long does PHL372 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 18 units.
How is PHL372 assessed?
PHL372 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PHL372?
Researcher, Philosopher, Analyst, Educator and Consultant.