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PHIL10190

Academic Year 2024/2025

Introducing PPE (PHIL10190)

Subject:
Philosophy
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Philosophy
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Tim Crowley
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is core for all students enrolled in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) programme.

This module is not intended to offer general or broad introductions to the subjects. Rather the lecturers choose their own topics and deal with them in a manner that indicates the approaches typical of their disciplines.

The Economics lectures are on Mondays, the Philosophy lectures are on Thursdays.

Mondays will be taught by Prof. Ron Davies (Economics). This material will centre on discussion about how economists approach modelling the world around them. This will include discussion of the benefits and limitations of using mathematical modelling, the potential perils of treating data as immutable facts, and different considerations that should be kept in mind when considering the welfare of groups.

Thursdays will be taught by Prof. Tim Crowley (Philosophy). These lectures will consider the notion of free speech: what it is, why it is important, and how it may be threatened. Landmarks in the history of free speech will be considered, with particular attention given to J.S. Mill's defence of free speech in his essay 'On Liberty' (1859). Topics for potential consideration include: democracy & free speech; censorship; hate speech; holocaust (and genocide) denial; free speech on campus; academic freedom.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Economics side:
- Understand why and how economists use mathematics in their arguments and how this approach affects the questions studied and how one should treat the answers provided.
- Have a framework for recognising why the answer to every question in Economics is “it depends” and the role of assumptions in obtaining more definitive answers.

Philosophy side:
- Understand the notion of free speech, and why it is important.
- Become familiar with key moments in the history of the notion of free speech.
- Gain a critical appreciation of arguments in defence of free speech.
- Be equipped to assess legitimacy of limitations on free speech.

General
- Begin to discover some of the differences and overlaps of the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics

Indicative Module Content:


Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

97
Lectures

22
Tutorial

6
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Two 1-hour lectures per week.
In addition, most weeks will have a 1-hour tutorial.

The use of Generative AI is not permitted.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): TBC End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded Yes
100
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Tim Crowley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Ronald Davies Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Michael Kinsella Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Exam Mid-term (ALU) Offering 1 Week(s) - 7 Mon 17:00 - 19:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
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