FIL103 History of Philosophy

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Bachelor's Programme in Applied Philosophy
• Philosophy, One-year Programme

Teaching language

Norwegian

Course contents

This course provides an introduction to the history of philosophy. It is the study of the views and argumentation of previous philosophers. The study of the history of philosophy both provides a better understanding of contemporary philosophy and familiarizes the students with alternative ways of reflection. The course provides an introduction to three central epochs: Antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period. Central questions: What problems were the philosophers' main preoccupations? Does philosophy make progress? In what ways are the ideas and argumentations of previous philosophers of interest for us today? What has been the approach of philosophers to these questions?

Learning outcomes

Upon course completion students will

Knowledge

• Have broad knowledge of selected works from the history of philosophy

• Have knowledge of central thinkers, problems and positions in the history of philosophy

Skills

• Be able to reflect on central philosophical problems within knowledge, metaphysics and ethics based on their history

• Be able to reflect on the relevance of the history of philosophy for contemporary problems

General Competence

• Be able to communicate central works and problems from the history of philosophy

• Be able to critically use knowledge from the history of philosophy as background for contemporary problems 

Examination requirements

Passing mark on preliminary examination. Further information when semester starts.

Teaching methods

Lectures and student based study groups. The workload is estimated to ca. 270 hours.

Evaluation

The study programme manager, 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.

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes

Assessment methods and criteria

4-hour written examination. Graded assessment.