PHIL20690 Philosophical Naturalism & Hum

Academic Year 2020/2021

'Naturalism' in contemporary philosophy is currently a widespread but much disputed concept, viewed as either 'reductive' or trivial by some, but as an exciting challenge and obvious requirement by others. Roughly, philosophical naturalism takes its start from acceptance of the best current scientific theories of the nature of the entire physical and biological universe, seeking not to appeal to any additional 'supernatural' entities (Gods or immortal souls) existing outside that domain. More controversially, such views then seek to address all the classic questions of philosophy either from *within* that scientific perspective ('methodological' naturalism), or at least consistently with taking the universe to be roughly, yet exhaustively as science says it is ('ontological' naturalism). Both 'reductive' and 'non-reductive' materialism or physicalism would be versions of 'naturalism' in this sense, and such views are widespread in contemporary philosophy. But what does the wholehearted acceptance of the scientific picture of the world REALLY entail? Does it entail that we have no free will? Does Darwinian evolution show that in light of our 'selfish genes', our moral principles are not really what we thought they were? What does naturalism arguably NOT entail about the nature of mind, meaning, knowledge, or morals, even if one enthusiastically embraces the basic picture of the natural universe supplied by science? These are the questions we will explore in this module.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Students in this module will learn to think critically and logically about the conceptual issues that arise when one tries to make sense of human experience, reason, freedom, and morality in the context of the ongoing scientific picture of the nature of reality from top to bottom, including human nature in all its aspects.

By having learned to uncover and think carefully about the various 'if...then' logical implications of accepting or rejecting various positions, students should have a more clear roadmap about just what is (and isn't) at stake in these famous debates.

One central learning outcome will be further developing one's ability to structure an interpretive and argumentative essay in philosophy clearly and forcefully, improving one's ability to produce good analytical, argument-based written work in general. Students will gain practice in thinking hard about complex concepts and argument forms.

Indicative Module Content:

A key text for this new module will be Janet Radcliffe Richards' book, _Human Nature After Darwin: A Philosophical Introduction_ (Routledge, 2000), which includes the following topics:

1) The scientific revolution, Darwinian evolutionary theory, sceptics about evolution, and disputes within Darwinism.
2) What are 'logical implications' and 'conditionals'? (Critical thinking.)
3) Is biology destiny? Are we blameless puppets of evolution, 'gene machines'? Shifts of level and logical sleights of hand.
4) 'Selfish genes' and moral animals. Evolution and altruism. What do evolution and physicalism imply, or not imply, about ethics and politics?

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

8

Autonomous Student Learning

93

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In addition to lectures involving question-and-answer with students, the analytical and interpretive essay will focus on improving critical thinking skills and logical analysis of texts, concepts, and arguments. The short online assignments and/or quizzes will seek to test and enhance basic accumulating knowledge of key concepts, interpretation of and critical reflection on key texts and ideas, and imaginative reflection on issues raised. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: 1500 2000 word essay. (Due date mid-semester, to be determined.) Unspecified n/a Graded Yes

30

Examination: 2-hour end of semester exam, either during the exam period, or online (to be determined). 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

45

Continuous Assessment: Short online assignments and/or (announced) quizzes. Overall engagement. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

25


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback on essay within three weeks of submission.

Janet Radcliffe Richards (2000) _Human Nature after Darwin: A Philosophical Introduction_ (Routledge).
Paperback: ISBN-10: 0415212448; ISBN-13: 978-0415212441 (Kindle edition: ASIN: B000OI1782.)