Unit information: Philosophical Logic Project in 2021/22

Unit name	Philosophical Logic Project
Unit code	PHILM0034
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Catrin Campbell-Moore
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Philosophy
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

Philosophical logic studies the application and use of logic to philosophical problems and is a key part of the philosophical discipline. For example, modal logics have been employed for analysing notions like necessity, knowledge, belief, but also norms and obligations. Similarly, abstract results from model theory have been employed to argue against specific form of realism while some have claimed that Gödel’s incompleteness show that the mind is not a machine.

In this unit, students will pursue a defined and focused project in philosophical logic in an independent way under the guidance of a member of academic staff. The project could investigate the application of some logical tools to specific philosophical problems and arguments. It could also address some more technical queries in philosophical logic, perhaps trying to extend some extant results. The choice of topic will be guided.

Students will present their work in a project report which should display understanding of the relevant formal tools and critical reflection on their use.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Outline key formal tools from an area of philosophical logic.
2. Employ logical tools, for instance by applying them to philosophical arguments or by extending technical results.
3. Critically assess and reflect on the philosophical use of logic.
4. Demonstrate advanced philosophical and research skills (e.g. clear and concise presentation of ideas, constructing and evaluating arguments, carrying out independent research).

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of group seminar-style discussions or tutorials; guided reading; and self-directed study and research.

Assessment Information

Summative assessment:

6,000 word report (100%). [ILOs 1-4]

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHILM0034).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.