Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL2038: The Self

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

This module will contribute to the philosophy programme by introducing, discussing, and critically evaluating various conceptual and empirical issues related to the self. It will demonstrate how these issues relate to other philosophical topics such as consciousness, embodiment, social cognition, ethics, animal cognition, and religious experience. It will explore how philosophy can inform, and be informed by, scientific inquiry. Finally, it will also demonstrate how seemingly abstract philosophical questions can have concrete relevance for everyday life.

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 Skills	1. Demonstrate knowledge of several philosophical and empirical models of the self 2. Evaluate some of the strengths and interrelationships of these different models 3. Formulate new questions based upon our consideration of these models
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. Illustrate a variety of philosophical positions on a specific topic 5. Critically evaluate, both orally and in writing, different philosophical positions 6. Appreciate the process of formulating and evaluating different philosophical arguments 7. Understand a variety of philosophical positions in relation to their sociocultural and scientific context
Personal and Key Skills	8. Engage critically with assigned readings 9. Communicate concepts and ideas clearly both orally and in writing 10. Engage productively and charitably in group discussions

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:

Philosophical controversies surrounding the self
The brain and the self
The embodied self
Developmenal and experimental approaches to the self
Intersubjectivity and the social self
The disrupted self: pathological perspectives
The disappearing self: skeptical and meditation-based approaches

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
24	126	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	22	Weekly two-hour lecture/seminars will consist of a lecture element introducing key theories and issues and a seminar element
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	2	Exam revision session
Guided independent study	36	Readings for seminars and tutorials
Guided independent study	10	Preparation for seminar presentation
Guided independent study	40	Researching and writing the essay
Guided independent study	40	Readings and revisions for exams

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).