Philosophy - Narrative, Mind and Ethics MA, PgD, PgC
Entry requirementsEntry requirements We require at least an upper second class honours (or equivalent) degree in philosophy or a degree with a significant element (at least 50%) of Philosophy. Admission is possible to individual modules. IELTS requirement 6.5.
Academic titlePhilosophy - Narrative, Mind and Ethics MA, PgD, PgC
Course descriptionThere is a longstanding tendency in some mainstream strands of philosophy to intellectualize our ways of interacting with the world and with others. Many contemporary philosophers suppose that our successful dealings in such domains are representationally mediated and call primarily on the resources of individuals minds. Of late, new approaches have challenged these ideas - emphasising instead the active, embodied and narrative nature of our everyday engagements with and understanding of things and people.
This MA programme articulates and explores the viability and implications of these challenges with respect to topics including perception, practical and formal reasoning, inter subjectivity, folk psychology and ethics. Studying with researchers at the forefront of these debates, you will have an opportunity to assess issues such as: the dialogue between narrative approaches to ethics and traditional views; the extent to which perception is integrated with action and the imagination; and the threat posed by narrative alternatives to theory of mind approaches to everyday social understanding.
For the MA, you take three 30-credit modules, two 15-credit research methods modules, plus a dissertation (equivalent to four 15-credit modules). The Postgraduate Diploma requires three 30-credit modules (plus the research methods modules) and the Postgraduate Certificate requires two 30-credit modules. Assessment is normally by coursework only.
Modules taught in the evening (2008-2009)
All the taught modules draw closely on staff research specialisms.
Semester A
Narrative Practice and Theories of Mind
Making Sense of Minds in Nature
Research Methods I & Research Methods II (jointly equivalent to one non-methods module)
Semester B
Varieties of Reason
Careers
The advanced research skills the programme gives you are of value in a wide range of careers. Teaching methods
Assessment is normally by coursework only. Taught modules require either two pieces of coursework of approximately 2-3,000 words, or one piece of coursework of 4-5,000 words.
The dissertation is an extended piece of research, normally 15,000 words in length.
Course content
Year 1 - full details
Core modules
-Mimeisis and Pre-Narrative Intelligence
-Narrative Practice and Theories of Mind
-Narrative and Ethics
-Perception: Traditional and Enactive Approaches
-Philosophy Dissertation
-Research Methods in Philosophy 1
-Research Methods in Philosophy 2
-Varieties of Reasoning