Introduction to Contemporary Philosophy

General data

Course ID:	2500-EN-O-53
Erasmus code / ISCED:	14.4 The subject classification code consists of three to five digits, where the first three represent the classification of the discipline according to the Discipline code list applicable to the Socrates/Erasmus program, the fourth (usually 0) - possible further specification of discipline information, the fifth - the degree of subject determined based on the year of study for which the subject is intended. / (0313) Psychology The ISCED (International Standard Classification of Education) code has been designed by UNESCO.
Course title:	Introduction to Contemporary Philosophy
Name in Polish:	Introduction to Contemporary Philosophy
Organizational unit:	Faculty of Psychology
Course groups:	obligatory courses for 2 year
ECTS credit allocation (and other scores):	(not available) Basic information on ECTS credits allocation principles: the annual hourly workload of the student’s work required to achieve the expected learning outcomes for a given stage is 1500-1800h, corresponding to 60 ECTS; the student’s weekly hourly workload is 45 h; 1 ECTS point corresponds to 25-30 hours of student work needed to achieve the assumed learning outcomes; weekly student workload necessary to achieve the assumed learning outcomes allows to obtain 1.5 ECTS; work required to pass the course, which has been assigned 3 ECTS, constitutes 10% of the semester student load. view allocation of credits
Language:	English
Type of course:	obligatory courses
Short description:	The aim of the course is to acquaint participants with selected problems, theories and ideas of contemporary philosophy. The course shall combine elements of history of contemporary philosophy with more problem-oriented exposition.
Full description:	Contemporary philosophy is a complex and broad field that embraces problems and ideas closely connected to all branches of science. In fact, several fields of science, psychology included, separated from philosophy rather recently (that is, in the second half of the XIX century) and they remain – in many cases – still closely related to philosophical theories and considerations. The course has two main aims. The first is to sketch a partial landscape of contemporary philosophy – both historical and conceptual. This will enable students to gain basic knowledge of important philosophical ideas and concepts that should be a part of a conceptual framework of every person that attempts at gaining a university degree. The second is to introduce concepts, theories and ideas that are or might be of some importance to contemporary psychology. The course, therefore, shall comprise, among other thing, the discussion of concepts of intentionality and consciousness, the discussion over the so-called psychologism and reasons why it has been rejected by the founding fathers of contemporary philosophy (Frege, Husserl), the discussions over the concept of folk psychology and theories of mindbody problem, the idea of modularity. This shall be supplemented by elementary introduction to some ideas belonging properly to philosophy of science, philosophy of language and even contemporary metaphysics (the popular concept of “possible world” shall be explained during the course).
Bibliography:	Readings will be provided by the instructor. Changes in the reading list possible (students will be informed about the changes) Topic 1: General historical introduction (overview of the contemporary philosophy) Reading: None Topics 2 & 3: Brentano school and theories of intentionality Reading: Chrudzimski, Varieties of intentional objects Topics 4 & 5: The origins of analytic philosophy: Frege and Russell Reading 1: Frege, On sense and reference (parts) Reading 2: Russell, Analysis of Mind (selection) Topic 6: Philosophy of science: verification, falsification and the demarcation problem Reading: Bocheński, The methods of contemporary thought, 6-10 and 17- 20 Topic 7: Contemporary philosophy of mind and psychology: the problem of consciousness Reading: Chalmers, Facing up to the problem of consciousness Reading: Jackoson, Epiphenomenal qualia Topic 8: Contemporary philosophy of mind and psychology: folk psychology and eliminativism, modularity Reading: Churchland, Eliminative materialism and propositional attitudes Reading: Robbins, Modularity of Mind, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Reading: Dennett, Intentional systems Topic 9: Contemporary philosophy of language: general introduction Reading: TBD Topic 10: Contemporary metaphysics: possibilia and possible worlds Reading: E.J. Lowe, Possible Worlds
Learning outcomes:	After a successful completion of the course, a student:  Is familiar with fairly sophisticated philosophical vocabulary  Can recognize problems as philosophical and identify the best conceptual tools to tackle them  Thinks critically about knowledge and develops a habit of questioning her assumptions  Gains a general understanding of scientific methods  Acknowledges the complexity of the problem of human mind and consciousness  Learns how to approach pressing moral problems in a sophisticated manner  Has the tools to reflect upon political issues philosophically  has the ability to critically assess textual material
Assessment methods and assessment criteria:	The course implements four assessment methods. - Participation (10%). The category includes attendance (up to 2 unexcused absences), and, first and foremost, contribution to the discussion during the lecture. I know you have heard this before, but this is dead serious! (Those too shy or otherwise unable to participate during class are required to signal their respective problems to the instructor and talk about the material with her during one-on-one meetings or via email). - Short and very easy quizzes about the reading material, administered randomly, at least 8 times (20%) - Midterm essay (20%) — a fairly simple assignment of 5 pages double space, on the topic of choice. Written final exam (50%) Attendance rules Two (2) absences are permitted without excuse; if you have a serious medical problem or condition, you may exceed this limit by bringing a note from a doctor. Missing more than half the classes results in not passing the course.

This course is not currently offered.

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