2021-2022 / PHIL0027-1

Contemporary philosophical texts

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Bachelor in philosophy5 crédits 

Lecturer

Arnaud Dewalque

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course addresses philosophical problems at the heart of phenomenology and analytic philosophy. While the two traditions are classically thought of as being distinct from one another, the course will analyze this assertion and question its validity, introducing possible contact points between phenomenology and analytic philosophy. Furthermore, the course will discuss the application of these potentially differing philosophical practices. Specific problem cases of philosophy of mind will serve as the main focus of this analysis. Thus, the course will introduce and critically discuss questions surrounding intentionality, consciousness, and various types of experiences.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  • identify and discuss some major debates in phenomenology and analytic philosophy.
  • contrast dans discuss differing approaches to common philosophical issues
  • assess philosophical positions and formulate individual views.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Students should be able to read philosophical texts in English.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Lectures, class discussions, readings.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

The course takes place from September to December. The default teaching mode is the face-to-face mode but some classes might be taught online.

Recommended or required readings

Most problems that will be addressed during the course are introduced and discussed in:
Crane, Tim. 2001. Elements of Mind. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind. Oxford: OUP, 2001.
This is optional reading for students who want to read a good introduction to philosophy of mind, increase their background knowledge in this field, or further develop their own thoughts on intentionality, consciousness and the capacities of the mind.
Required readings: see syllabus.

Assessment methods and criteria

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- Remote

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report


Additional information:

Reminder: attendance is mandatory. You are expected to participate actively in the course, which means:

  • participating in class discussions
  • doing the required reading before each session
  • submitting two short essays during the semester
  • handing in a final paper during the exam session
Final grade will be calculated on the basis of:
  • the relevance, clarity and linguistic quality of the short essays
  • the relevance, clarity and linguistic quality of the final paper
  • class participation ("bonus")
Short Essays
Short essays should be concise (2 to 3 pages/700 to 1000 words) and well argued. They may take the form of a critical discussion of the theories addressed during the classes or provide original considerations in favor of one of those theories. Although they should not be a mere summary of a chapter of the course or an article that you have read, they should demonstrate a good knowledge and a good understanding of extant philosophical debates.
Final paper
You will be asked to write a personal paper on a course-related topic. 'Personal paper' means a short piece of work based on your own readings/thoughts. Please note that a mere summary of a chapter of the course or an article that you have read does not count as a personal paper/essay. The final paper is subject to the same requirements than the short essays. The topic is to be discussed with me beforhand. The final paper may the the revised version of one of the short essays.
Formalia: see syllabus.
Should you experience any difficulty with the deadlines, please get in touch as soon as possible so that we can discuss potential solutions.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Prof. Arnaud Dewalque Dpt of Philosophy 7, Place du 20-août, Building A1/2d floor B-4000 Liège Phone: 0032(4)366.55.93

Items online

Readings
Readings