Program Overview

Philosophical Fiction and Fantasy

Course Overview

The Philosophical Fiction and Fantasy course explores philosophical questions using fiction and critically assesses its philosophical uses. No previous knowledge of philosophy, fiction, or fantasy is required.

Learning and Teaching

The module will be delivered through ten 2-hour sessions, made up of workshops, class discussions, small group work, and debates. Topics may include:

• Philosophical fictions: Thought experiments, hypothetical cases, and fantastical scenarios
  • How are philosophical fictions used in philosophy? What role do they play in supporting and refuting philosophical claims, theories, and arguments?
• Fiction in philosophy
  • How and why do ethicists draw on contemporary and historical novels, Greek tragedies, and utopian or dystopian visions to identify questions, stimulate intuitions, and illustrate theories?
• Methodological questions
  • Can the products of human imagination help us identify philosophical questions and/or answer them?

Coursework and Assessment

To award credits, evidence of the knowledge and skills gained or improved is required. The assessment methods are designed to increase confidence and are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives. For this course, students will undertake:

• A short question formulation exercise (5%)
• A case study (20%)
• A paper (75%) In total, this will be around 1,700 – 2,000 words.

Reading Suggestions

Comprehensive reading suggestions will be provided before the course begins.

Library and Computing Facilities

As a student on this course, you are entitled to join and use the University's library and computing facilities.

Accessibility

The aim is access for all. A confidential advice and support service is available for any student with a long-term medical condition, disability, or specific learning difficulty.

Part-time Courses for Adults

Part-time courses are available in humanities, languages, business, computing, politics and law, science and environment, and social studies.