Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy

Philosophy Studies

1. Detailed study of a philosopher or group of philosophers: Dive deep into the works and philosophies of thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, or Nietzsche. Analyze their ideas, contributions, and impact on the field of philosophy.

2. Detailed study of a philosophical problem: Explore complex philosophical problems such as the mind-body problem, free will vs determinism, ethics of artificial intelligence, or the nature of reality. Critically evaluate different perspectives and proposed solutions.

3. Critical study of a period in the history of philosophy: Examine a specific era in philosophy, like ancient Greek philosophy, Enlightenment philosophy, or existentialism. Analyze key thinkers, movements, and developments during that time.

4. Critical analysis of a recognized philosophical work: Choose a seminal philosophical work such as "Critique of Pure Reason" by Kant, "Being and Time" by Heidegger, or "The Republic" by Plato. Conduct a thorough analysis, critique the arguments presented, and evaluate the work's significance.

Research and Essay Writing

1. Plan a research proposal: Develop a research question, outline research objectives, and propose a methodology for investigation.

2. Design the essay project: Structure the essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Organize arguments logically and cohesively.

3. Search for and review literature: Conduct comprehensive research using academic databases, journals, and books to gather relevant sources for the essay.

4. Utilize library facilities: Make use of library resources for accessing books, journals, and other materials essential for research.

5. Utilize internet facilities: Utilize online resources for academic research, but critically evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources.

6. Analyze relevant material: Engage with the literature, extract key arguments, and analyze different perspectives on the topic.

7. Compare various arguments: Compare and contrast different philosophical arguments, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and develop a nuanced understanding of the topic.

8. Construct diagrams (e.g. using mind mapping techniques): Visualize connections between ideas, concepts, and arguments using diagrams or mind maps to enhance understanding.

9. Synthesize material read: Bring together diverse sources and viewpoints to form a coherent and well-rounded argument in the essay.

10. Critically review evidence in view of hypothesis: Evaluate the evidence presented in the literature in relation to the research hypothesis, identifying gaps or contradictions.

11. Write/type the essay: Articulate arguments clearly, cohesively, and persuasively in the essay, following academic writing standards.

12. Make use of IT and word processing: Utilize technology for drafting, editing, and formatting the essay, ensuring a polished final product.

13. Use appropriate reference techniques: Cite sources accurately using a recognized citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to give credit to the original authors.

14. Compile a thorough bibliography: Create a comprehensive list of references cited in the essay, following the specified citation style.

15. Ensuring to achieve acceptable linguistic and technical standards: Pay attention to language use, grammar, spelling, and overall technical quality of the essay to meet academic standards.

Scientific Method and Inquiry

1. Identify the problem of defining science in terms of method: Examine the challenges and complexities involved in defining science and its methodological approach.

2. Analyse the scientific method i.t.o. hypothesis, evidence, testing: Investigate the components of the scientific method, including formulating hypotheses, collecting evidence, and conducting experiments for testing.

3. Meaningfully relate these to the different types of experience in scientific inquiry: Explore how different types of experiences, observations, and data contribute to the scientific inquiry process, shaping hypotheses and conclusions.

By integrating these assessments, students can develop a comprehensive understanding of philosophy, research skills, and critical thinking abilities essential for academic and professional growth in the field.