Philosophy

You will be introduced to key problems in moral and political philosophy, and in philosophy of mind and knowledge. In moral philosophy you will consider questions such as the objectivity of morality and the application of ethics to the study of difficult practical problems. In political philosophy you will consider the nature of our obligation (if any) to obey the government and where this obligation comes from. You will also consider theories concerning the relationship between the mind and the world: how do we come to know about the existence of a reality outside of the mind? Is the mind distinct from the body? The course will also examine how we can distinguish between good and bad arguments.

You will focus on two courses, the first of which addresses some moral and political matters that arise from the relationship between society and the self. The second is based around issues in the theory of knowledge and questions of language and meaning; you will also begin the study of logic.

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Degrees in Arts, Life Sciences, Science and Social Sciences.

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will choose courses covering in more depth the core areas of philosophy studied in first and second years, as well as a wide range of options taught by specialist researchers.

In year 4 you will have the opportunity to write a dissertation.

We encourage our students to study abroad (usually during year 3). We have an Erasmus exchange scheme with the University of Barcelona and our Philosophy students have also studied in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Denmark and Finland. See Study abroad.