Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main goal of the course is to help students become conversant in often difficult, complex and hard to grasp philosophical questions about identity, thinking, perception, the nature of the world we live in, methods and practices of inquiry and the nature of a good life.

More specifically, the course addresses themes related to overall philosophy, philosophy of language and the mind, epistemology and metaphysics, philosophy of science, ethics and applied philosophy. The goal is to give the students a grasp of a selection of central concepts and ideas in these fields to build a basis for carrying out philosophical thought in their everyday lives. 

Credits: 3

Schedule: 23.09.2020 - 02.12.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Esa Saarinen

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Lauri Järvilehto

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Throughout the course, basic ideas and concepts of philosophical thinking are introduced and discussed. The emphasis is not on historical scholarship but rather in getting familiar with the conceptual tools needed to be able to practice and apply philosophical thinking in everyday life.

    The course aims to:

    • Inspire philosophical thinking in everyday life.
    • Introduce conceptual tools and methods to practice philosophical thinking.
    • Introduce methods and criteria for evaluating thinking and argumentation.
    • Explore various opportunities to engage in philosophical thinking.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Learning diaries and an essay at the end based on the course material.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Lectures 20 h

    Independent studying 20 h

    Learning diaries: 10 h

    Essays 30 h