Philosophy

Reason and Argument

Module code: V7079
Level 4
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture, Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework

On this module, you will become reflective about the way arguments work by looking at a number of paradoxes.

Paradoxes puzzle and perplex us. If you're to sort them out, you have to lay out clearly the arguments and assumptions which lie behind the puzzlement and perplexity. This helps you to see how to analyse arguments generally.

You'll learn that most paradoxes have several solutions: understanding the reasons in favour of different solutions will help you to see how arguments work, and how assumptions are often in play that you hadn't really thought about before.

Module learning outcomes

• Characterise and distinguish between central argument forms.
• Be able to identify some invalid arguments.
• Understand the concept of thruth-functionality and validity.
• Show understanding of some famous philosophical paradoxes and approaches to them.