Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL1005A: Evidence and Argument 1

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

Philosophers try to think rationally about the most general and abstract questions; for this reason, they spend a lot of time constructing and criticising arguments. In this course, you will investigate what makes a good or a bad argument, and how to distinguish one from the other. This is a skill essential not only in science and philosophy, but also in politics and everyday life.

This module will teach you the tools and skills necessary for analysing, evaluating and constructing arguments. It consists of a mixture of theory and practical exercises. We will examine the general principles of reasoning, and then apply them to particular arguments from philosophical and other texts.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate knowledge of some basic principles of formal and inductive reasoning, essay writing and rhetoric;
Discipline-Specific Skills2. develop the ability to analyse arguments, to apply simple rules of inference, to criticise brief texts, and to write well-argued essays;
Personal and Key Skills3. develop the ability to argue clearly and effectively in speech and writing, to use the library and internet resources, and to evaluate different sources of evidence;