PHI1010 : Rationalism and Empiricism (Inactive)
PHI1010 : Rationalism and Empiricism (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Michael Lewis
- Owning School: School X
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The aims of this module is to introduce students to some of the key debates in epistemology (theory of knowledge). Students will be introduced to and encouraged to reflect upon some of the central ideas and conceptual systems from the Modern Age. The module will be centred upon the debate between rationalism and empiricism, engaged in by such figures as David Hume and John Locke on the side of empiricism, Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz on the side of rationalism.
Outline Of Syllabus
Students will cover some key thinkers associated with rationalism and empiricism, including but not limited to:
- Descartes
- Spinoza
- Leibniz
- Locke
- Berkeley
- Hume
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Students will:
- Become acquainted with key ideas of rationalism and empiricism
- Understand the area of epistemology
- Acquire a basic understanding certain concepts central to modern philosophy
Intended Skill Outcomes
Students will:
- Be able to use the terminology of rationalism, empiricism, and other basic tenets of epistemology and modern philosophy more broadly
- Be able to compare and contrast different schools of thought
- Engage critically and sensitively with key texts
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Essay preparation and completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Specific research or reading activities developed and directed by academic staff. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 52:00 | 52:00 | Review lecture material, prepare for small group teaching and assessment. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will introduce key themes and ideas relevant to empiricism and rationalism, which will pave the way for studying Kant in Stage 2.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | A | 100 | 2000 word essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The student chooses a title from a list of questions. These questions encourage independent research using the lecture content as a foundation and makes it possible to assess knowledge acquisition, interpretive skill and theoretical understanding as well as the analytical, creative and critical potential of students. The essay tests the ability to think creatively, self-critically and independently as well as managing one’s own work to set time limits.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHI1010's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PHI1010's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.