PHIL30690 Science, Perception & Reality

Academic Year 2023/2024

What is the relationship between the appearances that are perceptually manifest to us in ordinary life, and the often extraordinary reality that theoretical science assures us provides a more accurate picture of the ultimate nature of all things? Are our perceptions in some sense primary, while scientific theories are an abstract but useful way of predicting those appearances? Or is it rather the scientiific reality that is primary, and our perceptions are an evolved way of representing nature that is useful but misleading? Or alternatively, has this whole apparent conflict between 'science and common sense' been thought about in the wrong way, perhaps involving deep-seated conceptual confusions? In this module we will examine how philosophers have continued to grapple with these fundamental questions, typically with highly contrasting views in the philosophy of perception and about the very nature of philosophy itself. Sample authors in different years may include Plato, Galileo, Descartes; A. S. Eddington, William James, Bertrand Russell, Susan Stebbing, Gilbert Ryle, W.V. Quine, Thomas Kuhn, Wilfrid Sellars, Hilary Putnam, Danielle Macbeth.

[ NOTE: If you are taking this module as an elective, then please note that it forms part of the Structured Elective *Philosophy of Mind & Science* - see here: https://www.ucd.ie/students/registration/structuredelectives/philosophyofmindandscience/ (copy and paste this address into your browser). Students can gain a Structured Elective in Philosophy of Mind & Science (which is noted on their UCD Transcript) by completing 15 credits from the modules listed on the above webpage. ]

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Having completed this module students should be able to articulate the key issues involved in the philosophy of perception and in relation to the apparent conflicts between the 'common sense 'and scientific conceptions of the nature of reality. More generally students will gain knowledge of some of the main approaches to philosophical analysis in the 20th century, developing their own analytical skills and critical thinking by applying them to fundamental issues in metaphysics and the theory of knowledge. Students will be able to understand and think creatively about some central topics in the philosophy of language and the philosophy of science, too. Another important learning outcome will be further developing one's ability to structure an argumentative essay in philosophy clearly and forcefully, along with improving one's ability to produce good analytical, argument-based written work in general.

Indicative Module Content:

The specific required readings for this module will be indicated before the starting date of the module.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

7
Autonomous Student Learning

94
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will consist of 2-hour lectures (10 minute break midway) encouraging student engagement and questions at all times, as well as 7 weeks of discussion tutorials. There will be emphasis on the careful analysis of concepts, arguments, and texts. Attendance at both lectures and tutorials will be taken as an indication of interest and engagement in the module. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is strongly recommend that students have passed at least four second-year modules before taking 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: 2500 word essay Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

25
Examination: In-class mid-term examination. Varies over the Trimester No Graded No

25
Examination: Final exam, end of semester 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

Name Role
Ms Rachel Russell Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Spring