Last modified: 20 Jun 2025 15:14
All topics in Applied Philosophy draw on concepts and methods developed in debates in core areas of Analytic Philosophy – Logic and Language, Metaphysics, Epistemology and Ethics. In this course students will explore these core concepts and methods with the help of staff who are expert in the particular fields they are drawn from.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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All topics in Applied Philosophy draw on concepts and methods developed in debates in core areas of Analytic Philosophy – Logic and Language, Metaphysics, Epistemology and Ethics. In this course students will explore these core concepts and methods with the help of staff who are expert in the particular fields they are drawn from.
Concepts to be covered may include logic and argumentation, modality, causation and explanation, the nature of epistemic justification, the epistemology of testimony, and standard Normative Ethical Theories and their application in Applied Ethics.
Whilst covering these topics, students will continue to reflect on core methods in Applied Philosophy – whether that be ‘top down’ (applying general theories), theorising by cases, the use of thought experiments, or the application of reflective equilibrium.
This course will give students the appropriate grounding in Analytic Philosophy required to pursue individual projects in Applied Philosophy, where philosophical tools contribute to addressing pressing ethical, social and political issues.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 14,21 | Feedback Weeks | 17,26 | |
| Feedback |
Online test will be delivered via MyAberdeen. Released after relevant section of course, to be completed by middle of course (Test 1 and 2) and end of course (Test 3 and 4). Students can complete whenever they like (prior to the final submission date) as many times as the like. Feedback via MyAberdeen and release of sample answers. Tests will use a selection of multiple-choice type questions and free writing questions. Questions will require students to do a variety of things – identify concepts, link concepts and definitions, textual analysis/identification of application of concepts and methods, and answering reflective questions on methodology and application of conceptual tools. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Students will be able to reflect on standard methodologies in Applied Philosophy drawing on core concepts and methods in Analytic Philosophy. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will be able to summarise standard philosophical explanations and distinctions relating to core concepts in Analytic Philosophy. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will be able to identify and explain core concepts in Analytic Philosophy. |
| Procedural | Apply | Students will be able to apply core concepts in order to evaluate arguments and theories in specific debates in Applied Philosophy. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Two online tests each worth 50%. Tests will be delivered online. Feedback will be via MyAberdeen and the release of sample answers. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will be able to identify and explain core concepts in Analytic Philosophy. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will be able to summarise standard philosophical explanations and distinctions relating to core concepts in Analytic Philosophy. |
| Procedural | Apply | Students will be able to apply core concepts in order to evaluate arguments and theories in specific debates in Applied Philosophy. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Students will be able to reflect on standard methodologies in Applied Philosophy drawing on core concepts and methods in Analytic Philosophy. |
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