University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 8

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: TBC

For the purposes of this module, 'modern philosophy' means philosophy written in Europe from Descartes in the mid-17th century to Kant at the end of the 18th century. This was an extraordinary period in the history of western thought, when a variety of brilliant thinkers devoted themselves to working out the philosophical implications of the 'new science'. This generated questions about the extent of human knowledge, about what can be known with certainty, about perception, and about how we acquire knowledge through the senses. There was also renewed interest in morality, its foundation, and its relation to human nature. This module will critically examine the arguments of major philosophers of the modern period, including Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 15

Guided independent study hours: 185

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Personnel