Focus on Philosophy: Metaphors, Allegories and Thought Experiments

Overview

Philosophers have used metaphors, allegories and thought experiments to discover, develop, explain and evaluate their theories since the beginnings of human thought. In fact, Nietzsche went as far as to say “metaphors are as close to the truth as man can ever get”. In this module, we collect, explore, explain, contextualise, dissect and admire some of the finest examples of these philosophical metaphors and allegories from Plato’s Cave to Descartes’ Tree of Science, and cover thought experiments including different versions of the Trolley Dilemma and Robert Nozick’s Experience Machine. 
 
The questions raised through these devices are linked to the main branches of philosophy (Logic, Ethics, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Existentialism, Philosophy of Religion), and examining them gives us a unique window on the evolution of philosophical thought. What is right and wrong, the question of free will, ethics, justice and faith are some of the major areas you will be invited to think about – through metaphors. 
 
'Focus on Philosophy’ is a series of online, self-paced learning modules, which focus on philosophical thought and debate. They give students an opportunity to consider the fundamental questions and explore the history of philosophy, from ancient times up to the present day. Studying philosophy helps you to improve logical and critical thinking, develop coherent arguments and write persuasively. 

Programme

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.   

Additionally, opportunities will be provided to join regular webinar-style live discussions: the live webinars will be scheduled for the week after the release of each unit, starting from Unit 2. The basis of the webinar will be the topic of the previous unit, explicitly reflecting on the contributions to the respective discussion boards. 

Unit 1 - Epistemology – the allegory of the Cave 

Unit 2 - Cartesianism, fundationalism – Apples and Trees 

Unit 3 - A meaningful life – the Experience machine (Utilitarianism) 

Unit 4 - A meaningful life 2 –the meaning of life by different schools of philosophy 

Units 5 and 6 - Good and Bad – the trolley dilemmas, fish not discovering water   

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Interpret, summarize, and paraphrase the views of philosophers as expressed in philosophical metaphors/texts.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and social contexts of a number of philosophical movements.
3. Respond critically to philosophical ideas and theories.
4. Formulate arguments and evidence opinions relating to philosophical issues. 

Assessments

1. Discussion Board Contributions (450 words;30%)
2. Written assignment on selected metaphor(s) (1000 words; 70%) 

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.