University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Tuesday

MLitt students in this module investigate the ways in which we can criticise and improve our concepts, which is the topic of the sub-discipline known as Conceptual Engineering. The concepts in question might be evaluated and improved in manifold ways. For example, Tarski, Scharp, and Burgess urge us to replace the notion of truth in order to avoid paradox; Carnap recommends that we tidy up the concept of probability if it is to be fit for scientific purposes; Haslanger thinks we need revisionary analyses of the concepts woman, man, and of various racial groups. The task of philosophy on such a view is to discover conceptual deficiencies and then provide strategies for improving (or replacing) our conceptual repertoire. As such, conceptual engineering can play a central role in all parts of philosophy and beyond. The three main questions we shall address are: What is conceptual engineering? What forms does (and should) it take? Can it be successfully successfully carried out?

Relationship to other modules

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take all modules from PY4648

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 hours lectures (11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 182

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

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

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr K A Scharp
Module teaching staff: Dr S Roca Royes
Module coordinator email ks70@st-andrews.ac.uk