PHIL352 METAPHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES II

Course Code:2410352
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:5.0
Department:Philosophy
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Prof.Dr. ŞEREF HALİL TURAN
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

When studying a philosophical position, it may be very hard, and even inappropriate to make a distinction between the content of the philosophical position and its form or better the activity itself. However, it can be done so for a pedagogical reason: to learn about the tool-box of philosophical constructions. Moreover, it is a good philosophical practice –yes there is a hidden agenda- because all this boils down to a simple question: what does it mean to engage philosophical practice?


Course Content

For course details, see https://catalog2.metu.edu.tr.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Content: As a case study, we shall consider one of Plato’s  dialogues, the Meno. As far as we know, Plato wrote no philosophical treaties, but dialogues. Nevertheless, many philosophers and commentators have tended to represent him and his philosophical thoughts as if he had. This simple observation suggests that we have not yet had a unified picture of Plato and his philosophical thoughts. One possible explanation for this one might be tempted to put forward is that Plato did not care primarily about the content of philosophical thoughts, but the structure of philosophical practice, that is, philosophical diagoue, which is his style of engaging philosophical activity, and after all, all one can claim to know safely is not what Plato claims contentwise, but the structure of his dialogues. Here is the question we would address in particular in this course: Was Plato primarily not interested in the content of his philosophical thoughts, but the structure, better the activity itself? If so, then why?


Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Have the knowledge and skills of research method which is a requirement in order to be successful in academic studies.
2Have the capacity for applying philosophical knowledge to scientific and social issues.
3Examine and analyze a subject matter and make philosophical interpretations on it.
4Have the skills of critical thinking, analytical approach, problem solving, multi-dimensional view, making inferences and interpretations regarding to philosophical texts and scientific facts.
5Identify the basic concepts and issues in philosophy.
6Evaluate and understand the underlying philosophical assumptions of fundamental and social sciences.
7Have capacity to make interdisciplinary readings and analysis.
8Have verbal and written presentation and effective communication skills, be open to team work and do interdisciplinary study.
9Make connections between contemporary ethical, social, cultural, esthetic and politic issues.
10Interpret the historical development of scientific and philosophical questions.
11Have knowledge about contemporary philosophical issues and their relations to other disciplines.
12Use modern information tools in order to make research in philosophy.
13Improve their professional and personal skills lifelong.
14Use information technologies effectively in domain applications in philosophy.
15Have self-confidence and develop original ideas regarding to philosophy.
16Have social and ethical responsibility regarding to contemporary issues.
17Have good knowledge of English, research method and computer skills and use these skills effectively.
18Comprehend the basic theories and issues in sub-disciplines of philosophy.
19Have an advanced knowledge in certain specific fields such as environment, technology, culture, art etc.

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