Seminar in Philosophy I

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Synthesis lectures and research seminar.

Most of the time will be occupied with the discussion of the texts and analysis of the philosophical issues they raise.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the students will be able:

a) to read extended philosophical texts in depth;

b) to promote the exercise of critical reading and writing.

c) to understand classic philosophical arguments as presented in their original contexts

d) to paraphrase and explain philosophical arguments in their own words.

e) to conduct a detailed analysis of texts, theories and arguments.

f) to comprehend and make use of specialized philosophical terminology.

g) to apply transversal skills (ability to critique and self-criticism, ability to work in a team).

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Topics and texts discussed will vary according to the selection made for each semester but they will cross Medieval and Contemporary Philosophy.

Indicative exemplification:  the course may concentrate on one major work of a philosopher (Augustine's De Magistro, or William of Ockham's Logic, or J. Rawls' Theory of Justice) or on one special issue treated according to several texts written by different authors but perteining them all to the two mentioned historical periods (for instance, the ontological argument according to S. Anselm and to Charles Hartshorne).

Head Lecturer(s)

Edmundo Manuel Porém Balsemão Pires

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Discussion, attendance and Participation : 15.0%
Final discussion : 25.0%
Writing assignments and exams : 60.0%

Bibliography

J. Hick & A. C. McGill (eds.), The Many faced Argument. Studies on the Ontological Argument for the Existence of God, New York: The MacMilan Comp, 1967.

Cf. Hartshorne, Anselm's Discovery. A Re-examination of the Ontological Proof of God's Existence, Illinois: Open Court 1966.

S. Anselmo, Proslogion. Trad. de C. Macedo, Porto: Porto Editora 1996.