University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

This module is a selective introduction to over a thousand years of Western philosophy before Descartes. We will focus on the 'golden age' of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, which are most famously home to Thomas Aquinas and William of Ockham respectively. Topics will vary from year to year, but may include: bivalence, foreknowledge and determinism; whether the past can be changed; whether the past could be infinite; whether lines are composed of indivisible points; what constitutes logical validity; what the relationship is between conditionals and arguments. The module will involve close reading of primary texts in a weekly workshop.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 1-hour lecture and 1 x 2-hour workshop.

Scheduled learning hours: 30

Guided independent study hours: 270

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

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

Re-assessment: 1 or more essays to a total of 7,000 words

Personnel