Philosophy and Politics - MA (Hons)

The University of Edinburgh

Philosophy has been at the core of Western intellectual life for at least 2,500 years. It is central to our understanding of the world and of our place in and interaction with it.Philosophy provides the tools by which the presuppositions of all areas of intellectual and practical activity may be systematically and critically examined.Year 1- You will study Greats: From Plato to the Enlightenment, Morality and Value and Logic 1. These courses introduce you to key topics in the history of philosophy, morality and ethics, and the nature of argument. You will also take Introduction to Politics and International Relations and Political Thinkers. This will cover material on key conceptual ideas in politics, and some of the history of political theory. You can also choose to take Philosophy of Science 1, which looks at philosophical problems and assumptions around science. Year 2- You will take two courses in philosophy: Mind, Matter and Language and Knowledge and Reality. You will also study International Cooperation in Europe and Beyond and Comparative Politics in a Globalized World. You can also choose to take courses in other subjects with links to Philosophy and Politics. Year 3- You will start to specialise. You will choose six courses from a range linked to our areas of expertise. In philosophy, these include topics linked to the major areas of the subject. Politics courses may include: Global Justice and Citizenship, Approaches to Politics and International Relations, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Statistical Design, Year 4- You will choose another four to six courses from a wide variety available. You will also complete either an independent dissertation on a philosophy or politics topic of your choice, or a coursework dissertation via two extended essays in philosophy.

School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences