Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL1002A: Knowledge and Reality 1

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

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce you to classical epistemological and metaphysical questions. It presents and analyzes some classical answers to the question of how we know what we know, and about the nature of reality. The module discusses the early modern debate between rationalists and empiricists, as well as older and newer treatments of such related issues as innate knowledge, substance, scepticism and the value of metaphysics

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. define various technical terms pertaining to epistemology and metaphysics 2. present and discuss different philosophical claims concerning the nature of knowledge and reality 3. evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various epistemological and metaphysical views;
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. summarize and discuss several philosophical theories; 5. demonstrate knowledge of essential philosophical concepts; 6. break down philosophical arguments and evaluate them; 7. present and justify their own philosophical views with appropriate arguments
Personal and Key Skills	8. communicate ideas clearly and appropriately by written and oral means; 9. discuss abstract ideas in a clear and competent way; 10. engage with on-line interactive material and discussion; 11. engage critically with the assigned readings; 12. engage productively in group discussion.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

How do we know what we know? (innate knowledge, scepticism, Descartes' cogito, empiricism, common sense). What is there? (the notion of substance, primary and secondary qualities, idealism, Kant's a priori, a critique of metaphysics).

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
27	123

...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	11 x Weekly 2 hours lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	5	Fortnightly one hour small group tutorials
Guided Independent study	88	Private study time (weekly course readings, exam preparation etc.)
Guided Independent study	35	Preparation for formative essay

Online Resources

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