2023-2024 / PHIL1103-2

Exercises of history of philosophy

Duration

45h Pr

Number of credits

 Bachelor in philosophy5 crédits 

Lecturer

Arnaud Dewalque, Julien Pieron

Coordinator

Julien Pieron

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course is made up of two independent parts, one of which is taught by J. Pieron and the other one by A. Dewalque.

PARTIM PIERON

not available

PARTIM DEWALQUE

Although philosophy does not have a formal method of proof, philosophers who want to argue for (or against) a definite thesis typically employ a few tools and strategies, which are part of what is sometimes called "the philosophical method." This part of the course aims to introduce participants to, and make them more familiar with, five methodological tools: (1) the use of common sense, (2) philosophical dispute, (3) conceptual analysis and the clarifying of terms, (4) thought experiments and the role of intuition, and (5) history of philosophy. Each of these tools is illustrated by means of classical examples, which are discussed in class.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

PARTIM PIERON

not available

PARTIM DEWALQUE

This part of the course should put the students in a position to

  • recognize various argumentative strategies that are commonly employed in philosophy.
  • identify and reconstruct the various relevant elements of a philosophical text (topic, thesis, argument in the 'primise-conclusion' form, examples, etc.).
  • present and briefly comment on one of the short textual materials studied during the classes.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

PARTIM PIERON

not available

PARTIM DEWALQUE

Reading knowledge in English is required.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

PARTIM PIERON

not available

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

Blended learning


Additional information:

The default teaching mode is face-to-face. However, depending on the sanitary satuation, part or totality of the course may be taught online.

Recommended or required readings

PARTIM PIERON

not available

PARTIM DEWALQUE

Five short textual materials (see references in the syllabus, which can be downloaded below) are made available to the participants and will be discussed in class. This is compulsory reading. Students are expected to read each material before the corresponding session (see schedule). Besides, students who wish to prepare for the sessions or simply go further are strongly encouraged to refer to:

Timothy Williamson, Philosophical Method. A Very Short Introduction, Oxford, OUP, 2020.

On academic writing and related conventions, see A. Dewalque, Méthodologie philosophique. Un bref guide, ULiège (PDF available on line, see "course materials").

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND oral exam

Continuous assessment


Additional information:

PARTIM PIERON

not available

PARTIM DEWALQUE

As per the study regulations, attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions. This includes:

  • activitely participating in the sessions
  • doing the required reading (if any) before each session
In addition, all students are asked to make a short presentation of one of the five reading materials studied in class (see references in the syllabus, which is available below). Unless modifications are agreed in advance, the presentation (min. 10 minutes and max. 15 minutes/person) will be structured as follows: (i) introduction and brief contextualization of the textual material (what is the problem addressed and what notions are in need of elucidation?), (ii) reconstruction of the main argument (premises and conclusion), (iii) free comments and open questions. Assessment criteria:

  • understanding and good command of the relevant textual material
  • clarity and formal quality of the presentation
  • compliance with the abovementioned instructions

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

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Contacts

Teachers:
Julien Pieron Département de philosophie Place du XX Août, 7 (bât. A1, 2e étage) 4000 Liège julien.pieron@uliege.be 
Arnaud Dewalque Département de philosophie Place du XX Août, 7 (bât. A1, 2e étage) 4000 Liège
Secretary: Delphine Vanneste Tél. +32 4 366 55 99
 

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