Universität Wien

180221 SE Central texts and topics in practical philosophy (2024W)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Fr 08.11. 13:15-14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien

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Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
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Details

max. 30 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 04.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 11.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 18.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 25.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 15.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 22.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 29.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 06.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 13.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 10.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 17.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 24.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Friday 31.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This seminar is a fast-track overview for Masters students with little or no background in practical philosophy. The primary aim of the seminar is to introduce students to the major sub-disciplines of practical philosophy, such as:

Metaethics
Normative Ethics
Applied Ethics
Political Philosophy
Social ontology
Feminist critical approaches

At the end of these seminars, you will be able to:

Identify and navigate the main discussions in contemporary practical philosophy.
Think philosophically and identify new areas of enquiry within practical philosophy.
Write in a clinical, analytic style, enabling you to focus on one area of research - setting aside (often related) peripheral-questions.
Independently find further study material related to each discipline as the need arises.

The seminar is designed specifically for the MA in Philosophy and Economics but is open to other MA students who find that they require additional classes in practical philosophy. The seminar is not intended for students who have completed substantial study in several of the above sub-disciplines it is not a seminar that builds on existing foundations.

In large part, the seminar operates in the so-called Analytic tradition of philosophy. If your training in practical philosophy has been mostly in the Continental tradition, you may also find this seminar helpful.

Due to the role of the seminar in the MA Philosophy and Economics, topics focus on economics, where possible.

The seminar is taught and assessed in English and will feature extensive small group discussions. In preparation for each seminar, you will read the assigned core text and complete some short preparatory reading tasks and other research exercises on Moodle.

Assessment and permitted materials

The seminar is assessed through two written assignments and the weekly preparation tasks:

1. An essay outline of 300-400 words (including bibliography), in which you propose an essay topic and structured outline on any topic from the seminar. Weight: 20%. Deadline: December 1, 2020, 23:59.

2. An essay of 1500-1700 words (including bibliography), on any topic from the seminar. The essay may, but need not, follow the essay outline or tackle the outline topic. Weight: 60%. Deadline: January 26, 2021, 23:59.

3. Weekly tasks. These are marked for completeness, not for correctness: what matters here is that you have seriously thought about the tasks and prepared for the seminar. Weight: 20%. Deadline: Each teaching week at noon on the day before the seminar. Tasks that are late without authorisation can at most score a grade of 4 (mere pass).

The essay outline and essay are to be submitted on Moodle, preferably as pdf file, with all identifying information (name, student ID) in the text, file name, and file metadata removed to facilitate anonymous marking. Delayed submissions get a marking penalty of +0.2 for each day (24h) of lateness, although this penalty does not lead to a failing grade. If your submission is delayed for reasons outside of your control, e.g. illness, please contact me via email as soon as possible.

I will only look at and mark assessments after the deadline, irrespective of how early you submit, and will then mark them within four weeks. If you need your mark earlier, e.g. if you are on an exchange semester, please explicitly request this by email.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

A positive evaluation requires students to achieve a pass grade (4) in all three assessment components, and to actively attend the seminar. Two unauthorized absences will be excused. A pass grade in the weekly tasks requires a pass average and that the tasks have been completed on time for at least 60% of the seminars.

Examination topics

You can write your essay outline and essay on any topics linked to the seminar themes and texts. You are encouraged to develop their own research topics, and to consult with me on your writing plans.

Reading list

The reading list is posted on Moodle and contains selected historical and contemporary texts in practical philosophy.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Sa 05.10.2024 09:06