Level 3 Philosophy Diploma

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Course Content

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module One – Moral Philosophy

Why should we be moral? Is it always wrong to lie? Why should we be good?

This first module examines the central traditional and contemporary disputes in moral philosophy. Often people consider themselves to be moral relativists, but is this view always defensible? Instead of looking at the consequences of our actions should we instead consider the motives as well?

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module Two – Applied Ethics

Ethical issues are always in the news and in this module we develop the philosophical skills needed to assess them. Here then we move away from the theoretical and apply what we have learned in module 1 to some real world issues.

In the second unit of the diploma we apply what we have learned from the first module to animal ethics, environmental ethics and the controversies surrounding the abortion debate.

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module Three – Political Philosophy

In the third module of the diploma we explore the idea of a ‘social contract’ and the extent to which we are obliged to obey the authorities in our society. Should we accept any amount of inequality so long as people have well protected property rights? In this module we also examine classical philosophical texts by Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, as well as valuable contemporary works by John Rawls and Robert Nozick. We also explore the idea of social justice and inequality.

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module Four – Epistemology

What can we know? What is the basis of our belief in an external world? Can we be certain about anything? Is it possible that we are really nothing more than our own minds?

In the fourth module of the diploma we explore epistemology, or theories of knowledge. We consider the reliability of our perceptions and examine views of this important area of philosophy as presented by Descartes, Locke, Russell, Berkeley, and Kant. In this module we ask whether a mind-independent world really exists? We also examine the major contemporary contribution to epistemology made by John McDowell in his book Mind and World.

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module Five – Philosophy of Mind

Are we composed of two, dual substances; mind and body? Or are we merely physical things?

In this module we explore several theories of Mind including mind-body dualism, the problem of other minds, and personal identity. In the fifth module of the diploma in Philosophy we explore issues relating to the Philosophy of Mind. By drawing on works of philosophers such as Descartes, Davidson, and Wittgenstein we consider whether it is possible to establish whether we can you be sure that other people have minds? Are you the same person today that you were last year?

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module Six – Metaphysics

In this sixth module of the diploma we explore two central themes in the philosophical area of metaphysics.

First we look at the problem of universals, can someone or something be said to possess universals such as bravery or goodness? Can individual inanimate objects possess universal attributes such as a colour or texture.

Secondly we consider the idea of freedom of will. Do we appear to freely decide what to do at any given time? Are our plans and aspirations essentially futile? Is free will merely an illusion?

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module Seven – An Introduction to Logic

A large part of the philosopher’s task is to examine arguments. It can be important to have a grasp of an argument’s underlying logic in order to assess its merits. This module will introduce you to some of the techniques logicians use to uncover the logic behind what people say.

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module Eight – Philosophy of Religion

In the eight module of this diploma we explore questions such as ‘Does God exist?’, ‘Doesn’t the existence of natural disasters show that God is a myth?’ and ‘Is there life after death?’ As we consider these questions we will explore the arguments and views of philosophers such as Descartes, Kant and Aquinas, to name a few.

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module Nine – Aesthetics

In the ninth module of the diploma we explore aesthetics. The debate on what constitutes art is an ongoing one, for some art is a painting such as the Mona Lisa, for others it is an unmade bed. In this module we consider questions such as ‘What is the value of art?’ Is it simply a matter of personal taste or are there objective reasons for liking a painting, sculpture, or novel? Why are we as human beings pre-disposed to seek out inanimate objects that we find appealing? Should art be assessed according to its moral value or is art independent of morality?

Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Module Ten – Philosophy of History

Is history merely a series of events or does it have larger meaning? What causes historical change? Is it individuals or larger changes in social structure? In the final module of the diploma we draw on what we have learned in the earlier modules in epistemology and metaphysics and religion in order to explore what history is. In this module we will draw upon various arguments by Hegel, Marx, and others to explore this question.