FIL2000 – Introduction to Philosophical Methodology

Course content

This course provides an introduction to the central issues in philosophical methodology. An overarching goal is to provide an insight into the nature of philosophical argumentation and reasoning. Each semester some of the following topics will be covered:

• The nature of intuitions and their role in philosophical argumentation
• Role and nature of reflective equilibrium and its role in philosophy
• The a priori, Conceptual analysis and engineering: Their role in philosophy
• Experimental philosophy
• Feminist approaches to philosophical methodology
• Definitions of `philosophy`: what`s philosophy and what is not?
• Progress and disagreement in philosophy: Is there any progress? Why so much disagreement?
• The connection between systematic philosophy and the history of philosophy
• The value of formalization in philosophy
• Introduction to traditions in philosophical methodology: E.g.: ordinary language philosophy, pragmatism, phenomenology, naturalism

Learning outcome

After having completed the course, you will

• be able to demonstrate insight into different views of appropriate philosophical methodology
• be able to give a precise and argumentative presentation of central problems in philosophical methodology
• be able to describe and assess the methods involved in philosophical texts

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Teaching

10 double sessions which will be offered as an intensive seminar (please see time schedule on the semester pages)

Examination

A term paper of 10-12 pages (one page should contain approximately 2300 characters references and footnotes not included).

Language of examination

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.