Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL2127: Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

Students will gain name-recognition of, and appreciation for, some non-canonical early modern philosophers. They will gain some knowledge of why these philosophers have been largely ignored, as well as what we gain by studying them. Through the work of these non-canonical philosophers, students will gain a good understanding of some key philosophical problems addressed during the early modern period, including their rationale and various attempts at solving them. By making a critical study of these topics, focusing on primary texts, students’ skills in the analysis, evaluation and presentation of arguments will be enhanced.

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. Identify and discuss the questions, themes and topics addressed by some early modern philosophers.
2. Distinguish and evaluate certain positions and arguments within early modern philosophy.
3. Read and understand early modern philosophical texts in their historical and philosophical context.
4. Critically reflect on the methodological challenges of exploring the work of non-canonical philosophers.
Discipline-Specific Skills5. Demonstrate a good understanding of the interrelation between historical events and philosophical developments.
6. Demonstrate sound knowledge of different types of philosophical analysis.
Personal and Key Skills7. Demonstrate an expanded philosophical vocabulary and understanding with respect to key ideas in early modern philosophy.
8. Engage in complex arguments both orally and through writing.
9. Conduct research independently engaging with complex ideas and problems.