Have knowledge about some of the behavioral traits that characterize us humans, how these traits develop, and why such knowledge is of philosophical interest
Have knowledge about similarities and differences between philosophical and psychological methods respectively
Skills
Be able to reflect on the structures of the human mind
Be able to use philosophical perspectives in order to evaluate important psychological research
General competence
Be able to communicate knowledge about the structures of the human mind, and about human behavior
Be able to apply philosophical argumentation in order to explore and evaluate the extent to which empirical research may have important philosophical implications
Course contents
Human behavior and the human mind are studied by both psychology and philosophy. This course focuses on topics that exist in the intersection between psychology and philosophy. Central questions are: Is there such a thing as human nature? Which behavioral traits are universal, and which vary between individuals? What influences how these traits develop? What can psychology and philosophy learn from each other?
Teaching methods
Lectures and student based study groups. If there are non-Norwegian speaking students present, the lectures will be given in English. Expected workload is approximately 270 hours.
Examination requirements
This course has one mandatory midterm exam, which the student has to pass before he/she can take the final exam.
Assessment methods and criteria
Three days individual take-home exam (Length: 3000 words). Grade: A-F
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.