PHI- Core Seminar 2

Course goals

The aims of the Core Seminar 2 are as follows:
- to acquire an advanced understanding of the philosophical topic chosen for the semester, with special emphasis on integrating distinct philosophical perspectives and explaining that understanding orally;
- to develop the ability to revise previous written work for publication (including composing a “letter to the editor” that explains the revisions);
- to learn how to design a research project suitable for the RMA Thesis;
- to learn how to write a grant proposal for research funding;
- to develop the ability to write about philosophy for a wider audience;
- to draw on what has been learned in the course to engage with current philosophical research projects. 

Content

The Core Seminars are semester-long courses taught by researchers from ongoing research projects that combine an in-depth investigation of a philosophical topic with training in key academic skills. Staff from two different areas of philosophy co-teach the seminar on a topic that draws on their overlapping research interests, but from distinct approaches.
 
Topic of 2026-2027 will be announced. 

In 2023-2024, the topic was Human nature.
The idea of "human nature" plays an implicit or explicit role in many debates about politics, economics, morality, health and technology. But what is human nature, and what can it tell us about how we should structure society, understand morality, or what we should value, if anything? We explore these questions over the course of the semester, delving into different debates that appeal to, in some way, a concept of human nature, teasing out the different ways in which this concept is understood and invoked, and critically appraising what broader lessons can be drawn from it.

Additional information

Please note: the time slot shown here is not yet final and may still be modified until the 3rd Wednesday in September.