Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian or English.

Recommended previous knowledge

FIL107 Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Mind

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the students shall

Knowledge

  • Have knowledge about some of the behavioral traits that characterize us humans, how these traits develop, and why such knowledge is of philosophical interest
  • Have knowledge about similarities and differences between philosophical and psychological methods respectively

Skills

  • Be able to reflect on the structures of the human mind
  • Be able to use philosophical perspectives in order to evaluate important psychological research

General competence

  • Be able to communicate knowledge about the structures of the human mind, and about human behavior
  • Be able to apply philosophical argumentation in order to explore and evaluate the extent to which empirical research may have important philosophical implications

Contents

Human behavior and the human mind are studied by both psychology and philosophy. This course focuses on topics that exist in the intersection between psychology and philosophy. Central questions are: Is there such a thing as human nature? Which behavioral traits are universal, and which vary between individuals? What influences how these traits develop? What can psychology and philosophy learn from each other?

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and student based study groups. If there are non-Norwegian speaking students present, the lectures will be given in English. Expected workload is approximately 270 hours.

Examination requirements

This course has one mandatory midterm exam, which the student has to pass before he/she can take the final exam.

Examinations

Three days individual take-home exam (Length: 3000 words). Grade: A-F

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, 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 avalibility or capacity.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:14:49 AM