Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired - basic knowledge about important concepts, periods and central philosophers in the history of philosophy - critical understanding of the history of philosophy through gaining familiarity with the main arguments (both assenting and dissenting) surrounding the philosophies of various philosophers - knowledge about central concepts and positions within metaethics and normative ethics, and assenting and dissenting argumentation - ability to report and to some extent discuss the argumentation of central problems within the history of philosophy and ethics

Contents

The course comprises two disciplines: a) the history of philosophy and b) ethics. - The history of philosophy (2/3 of the course) gives an introduction to philosophical ideas up till today and how they have influenced science and our perception of reality. The ways in which the various philosophical systems have competed and replaced one another is discussed from a critical perspective. This gives the students a basis for argumentative reflection of their own perception of self within a perception of reality as influenced by science. - Ethics (1/3 of the course) gives a systematic introduction to metaethics and normative ethics. Within both fields there is a focus on concept clarification. Various ethical theories of today and their arguments are presented. This provides the students with a basis for argumentative reflection on moral challenges.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures.The workload is estimated to 270 hours.

Examinations

5-hour written examination. The examination is divided into two parts: The History of Philosophy (counts 2/3) and Ethics (counts 1/3).

Both parts must be passed. Graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
EX-100 – Exam Philosophicum. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 5:58:42 AM