Skip to content

Module Catalogue

Breadcrumbs navigation

PY5218   Modern Philosophy

Academic year(s): 2025-2026

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: To be confirmed.

This module will explore issues in Modern Philosophy, broadly defined as covering the 17th - 19th century. Topics will vary from year-to-year, but some examples are: the question of how knowledge is possible, and what its basis is (the senses, innate ideas in the mind, etc.); the metaphysics of the mind and its place in nature (materialism, dualism, idealism, etc.); the foundations of the State (social contract theories, etc.); the justification of religious beliefs and their place in society; and so on. The module will largely focus on the Western tradition, but the important role that colonialism and encounters with other cultures played in shaping thought during this period will be addressed. The module will also explore contributions from women and ethnic minorities that have traditionally been overlooked in the history of philosophy.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 264

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% Coursework

As defined by QAA
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 100% Coursework

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr A Douglas
Module teaching staff: To be confirmed
Module coordinator email axd@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

  • By the end of the module, students will be able to explain what is meant by "Modern Philosophy" as a historical label, noting the relevant debates around that term.
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to explain the continuing legacy of Modern Philosophy for current ways of thinking about topics such as knowledge, religion, the individual, the State, and the law.
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to summarise and critically analyse key arguments from key Modern Philosophers such as Descartes, Locke, Cavendish, Kant, etc.
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to defend their own views concerning the arguments put forward for various positions within Modern Philosophy, e.g. empiricism, rationalism, materialism, dualism, idealism, monism, monadism, social contract theory (in different versions), etc.
  • By the end of the module, students will be able to locate and critically discuss the most relevant and high-quality scholarship on specific figures and topics in Modern Philosophy.