Program Overview

Introduction to the History of Philosophy Structured Elective

The History of Philosophy Structured Elective is designed to introduce students to the historical development of philosophical thought, from ancient to modern times. This elective aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the key concepts, theories, and methods that have shaped the discipline of philosophy.

What is the Structured Elective About?

The structured elective explores the historical record of philosophical thought, highlighting the contributions of influential philosophers and the evolution of philosophical ideas over time. It examines the ways in which philosophical perspectives have been developed, refined, and critiqued, and how they continue to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.

Why Should I Take This Structured Elective?

Taking this elective offers several benefits, including:

• Employability: Demonstrates an interest and aptitude for considering philosophical issues and methods, which can be valuable in a broad range of careers.
• Making Judgements: Provides students with the opportunity to learn about philosophical frameworks and methods, enabling them to develop a greater understanding of the skills of enquiry, argumentation, analysis, and critical thinking.
• Communications and Working Skills: Emphasizes dialogue in the formation of knowledge, encouraging students to practice recognizing the premises of arguments, analyzing the moves made to support an argument, and constructing objections to premises and conclusions.
• Learning Skills: Requires students to develop skills in verbal and written communication, problem-solving, clear and disciplined thinking, and robust and persuasive argumentation.

How Do I Take the Modules in the Structured Elective?

To earn this structured elective, students must take 15 credits from the specified modules, which can be taken in or after the 2019/20 academic year. The modules should be taken in the order of level 1, level 2, and level 3. Students who successfully complete 15 credits in History of Philosophy will have this noted on their final UCD degree transcript.

Modules

The following modules are available as part of the History of Philosophy Structured Elective:

• PHIL10030: Intro to Modern Philosophy (5 credits)
• PHIL20010: Rationalism and Empiricism (5 credits)
• PHIL20580: Plato's Republic (5 credits)
• PHIL20750: What is Philosophy? From Ancient Greece to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity (5 credits)
• PHIL20760: Intro to Buddhist Philosophy (5 credits)
• PHIL31070: Aristotle: Ethics & Politics (10 credits)
• PHIL31090: Hume and Kant (10 credits)
• PHIL31150: Phenomenology and History (10 credits)
• PHIL31160: Medieval Metaphysics: John Scotus Eriugena (10 credits)
• PHIL31180: Topics in Early Modern Philosophy (10 credits)
• PHIL31190: Irish Enlightenment (10 credits)

Eligibility

Students will not be awarded this structured elective if they are graduating with a major or minor in the following programs:

• Philosophy, Politics & Economics (COS1)
• Law with Philosophy (LWW1/PLI2)
• BCL International Philosophy (LWW7/PLI5)
• BCL European Philosophy (LWW8/PLI6)
• Philosophy Minor (PLI1)
• Philosophy Joint Major (PLJ1)
• Philosophy (PLJ2)
• Philosophy (PLS3)
• Philosophy major (with language minor) (PLW2)
• Philosophy major (with other minor) (PLW3)