History of Philosophy

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation16.11.2021

Responsible UnitInstitute of Social Sciences and Humanities

Course developer

Sociālo un humanitāro zinātņu institūts

Juris Vuguls

Dr. phil.

Course abstract

In this study course, students gain knowledge about the essence of philosophy and philosophical thinking, the subject matter of philosophical research and its methodological implications, as well as the specific features and challenges involved in learning philosophy. The course examines the main categories and branches of philosophy and the key periods in the history of philosophy. Within the framework of the study course, essential texts and ideas are analyzed in the context of the history of world thought. As a result of exploring philosophical ideas, students acquire knowledge that forms the foundation of various sciences, including sociology, and develop critical thinking and reasoned communication skills.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: The study course provides in-depth knowledge of the essence, research subject, methods and main fields of philosophy (1st test, seminars, discussions), as well as the main stages of the history of philosophy, ability to describe them, to know and understand the main ideas and categories of philosophy. (2nd test, seminars, discussions, essays, their presentation)

Skills: In this study course, students acquire skills to apply knowledge of the nature of philosophy and its main categories in analyzing the governance of organizations and society and related problems. They also learn to identify the presence of philosophical ideas and categories in sociological research and to use philosophical reflection and critical thinking skills when analyzing sociological issues (1st and 2nd tests, seminars, discussions). General skills – ability to plan time responsibly and complete assigned tasks, independently obtain necessary information, critically evaluate and analyze the information gathered using various sources, collaborate effectively, participate in discussions, and defend their views with well-founded arguments (discussions, group work)

Competence: Students develop the competence to analyze problems in sociology and communication based on the knowledge gained in the course about the subject matter, methods, main ideas, and categories of philosophy, as well as on their skills in philosophical reflection and critical thinking (essay, individual assignment, presentations).

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time studies:

List of lectures (16 hours)
1. Definition of philosophy, the subject of philosophical research. (1 hour)
2. Philosophy research methods. (1 hour)
3. The main features and problems of philosophical thinking. (1 hour)
4. The beginnings of philosophy - existential border situations, the secret of death, wondering. (1 hour)
5. The main branches of philosophy. (1 hour)
6. Ancient philosophy. Ancient Eastern philosophy. (1 hour)
7. Ancient philosophy. Philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. (1 hour)
8. Medieval philosophy. (1 hour)
9. Renaissance philosophy. (1 hour)
10. New age philosophy. (1 hour)
11. Philosophy of Enlightenment. (1 hour)
12. 19th Century philosophy I. (1 hour)
13. 19th century philosophy II. (1 hour)
14. 20th century philosophy. (1 hour)
15. Philosophy of dialogue. (1 hour)
16. Postmodernism and feminism. (1 hour)

List of seminars (16 hours)
1. Peculiarities of philosophy and acquisition problems. (1 hour)
2. The essence of philosophy, research subject, method and main branches (test, 1 hour).
3. Philosophical ideas in Eastern philosophy. (1 hour)
4. Philosophical ideas in ancient philosophy. (2 hours)
5. Philosophical ideas in medieval philosophy. (1 hour)
6. Philosophical ideas in the philosophy of modern times. (1 hour)
7. Philosophy of life. (2 hours)
8. Philosophy as an art of living. How to live a good life? An argumentative essay on philosophical ideas in film. (presentation, 1 hour)
9. Philosophical ideas in the 19th century. (1 hour)
10. Philosophy of dialogue (2 hours)
11. Philosophical ideas in the philosophy of postmodernism and feminism. (1 hour)
12. Description of one stage of the history of philosophy and description of the ideas of a particular philosopher. (presentation, 1 hour)
13. The main stages of the history of philosophy, their characteristics, main ideas and categories. (test, 1 hour)

Part-time distance learning:

All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

1st test - 10%; 2nd test - 10%; Discussions, group work - 10%; Essay development and presentation 15%; Individual work development and presentation - 15%; Exam - 40%

The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-8/54 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and individual tasks, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the studies, the student develops, submits and presents at the specified time 2 assignments:
1. An argumentative essay on philosophical ideas in the film “Philosophy as an Art of Living. How to live a good life?”

2. Individual work and its presentation: Description of one stage in the history of philosophy and description of the ideas of a particular philosopher.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Individual assignments are assessed based on the quality of their completion and their compliance with the stated requirements. Discussions are evaluated according to the level of participation and the ability to explain and debate issues related to the course topics with well-reasoned arguments. In evaluating both individual assignments and participation in discussions, primary attention is given to the student’s development of critical and philosophical thinking and the ability to think independently.

Compulsory reading

1. Kūle M., Kūlis R. Filosofija. Rīga, Zvaigzne ABC, B.g. 656 lpp. ISBN: 9984-17-119-1 (Pieejams LBTU: Mācību lit. abonements)
2. Kenny A. A New History of Western Philosophy. Oxford University Press, 2010., pg. 1058 ISBN 978-0-19-958988-3
3. Bertrand R. The Problems of Philosophy. Pieejams: https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/5827
4. Praktiskā filosofija. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 549 lpp. (Pieejams LBTU: Mācību lit. abonements)

5. Apsīte L. Rietumeiropas filozofija 14.-18.gs. - R.: Zvaigzne ABC, 2000. - 267 lpp. (Pieejams LBTU abonements Pamatfonds(01/732))

Periodicals and other sources

1. Satori: Pieejams: https://www.satori.lv/
2. The Foundation for Critical Thinking. Pieejams: http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/a-brief-history-of-the-idea-of-critical-thinking/408
3. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Principal Editor: Edward N. Zalta. Pieejams: https://plato.stanford.edu/contents.html

4. Žurnāls "Rīgas Laiks" - ISSN 1407-1622. Pieejams: https://www.rigaslaiks.lv/

Notes

Compulsory study course for ESAF academic bachelor's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".

Atsauksmes