EXPHIL03 ¨C Examen Philosophicum

Course content

Exphil provides an introduction to basic philosophical questions about knowledge and ethics. The course consists of three main parts, corresponding to the three themes: knowing, being and doing. Part one concerns knowledge, especially what it means to have scientific knowledge. Part two addresses questions about reality, and what we can have knowledge of. Part three deals with morality: what has value, how we should act, and how we can have knowledge about this.

Exphil highlights contributions from the history of philosophy and science that are particularly suitable for illuminating the basis of scientific thinking and the philosophical assumptions of science. Theories of normative ethics and questions in metaethics and applied ethics are addressed. Ethical dilemmas related to human existence, questions about the legitimacy of the state, and what constitutes a cultural community of values are discussed. Students are introduced to topics that provide tools for understanding and contextualizing challenges that arise in all fields of study. In addition to perspectives from classical and contemporary thinkers, the central themes are also examined in the light of a gender and environmental perspective.

In all three parts, the syllabus is presented through original texts and introductory texts.

EXPHIL03 have two variants: the seminar variant and the self-study variant. These variants are offered in both Norwegian and English. Read more under "Teaching" and "Examination".

Learning outcome

Through studies of the texts, the students will gain an understanding of key issues among thinkers in the philosophy and science tradition, especially in connection with science, cognition, and ethics. This provides a basis for reflecting on theoretical and ethical problems that may be encountered in a university context and in society in general. The purpose is to develop students` ability to relate reflectively to the knowledge and the sciences today.

For all parts of the syllabus, students must:

• be able to recognize, compare and discuss different positions within the different areas that are addressed
• be able to identify points of view, arguments, and structures in a scientific text
• demonstrate skills in structuring the material and presenting writing in accordance with regular academic standards and citation practices

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

The course is open for all students, but we have limited capacity in the seminar variant and will prioritize students who are admitted to a study programme at UiO.

Recommended previous knowledge

A good ability to read and understand English is required for this course.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with FOFI.
• 10 credits overlap with EXPH.
• 10 credits overlap with EXPHIL.
• 10 credits overlap with EXPHIL96.
• 10 credits overlap with EXPHIL96.
• 10 credits overlap with EXPHIL96E.
• 10 credits overlap with EXPHIL96E.
• 10 credits overlap with EXPHIL96S.
• 10 credits overlap with EXPHIL96S.
• 10 credits overlap with EXPHIL03E ¨C Examen philosophicum - English option (discontinued).

Teaching

The seminar variant and the self-study variant have different tuition activities. Please read carefully through the information below before signing up for one of the variants in?Studentweb.?You can choose between teaching in Norwegian or English in the lectures and the seminars (only in the seminar variant).?

Seminar variant

Obligatory tuition activity:?

• There is obligatory attendance in four of the six first seminars. Valid absence is not permitted under any circumstances.

• Two obligatory assignments throughout the semester.

• Both attendance and the obligatory assignments must be approved in order to take the exam in the seminar variant. If these are not approved, you will be transferred to the self-study variant.

• More information about?obligatory activities in the seminar variant.

Seminar teaching:?

• Seven classes. Seminar teaching every second week.

• Make sure that the seminar group you sign up for does not collide with your schedule.?

• If needed, it is possible to change seminar group within a given deadline. Read more about?change of seminar group.

Lectures:?

• 20 lectures. Lectures are held twice each week.?

• The lectures are open to all.

• Attendance is voluntary but highly recommended.

Self-study variant

Lectures:

• 20 lectures. Lectures are held twice each week.??

• The lectures are open to all.

• Attendance is voluntary but highly recommended.

No obligatory activities.?

Examination

The seminar variant and the self-study variant have different forms of examination. Please read carefully through the information below before signing up for one of the variants in?Studentweb.

Seminar variant

If you sign up for the seminar variant, you?must?also sign up for this form of examination:

• 2,5 hour home exam in Inspera where you: i) upload your term paper; and ii) answer exam questions.
• You are permitted to use examination support material such as prepared notes or the textbook during the exam.?
• To take the exam you have to attend the required amount of seminars and get your two obligatory assignments approved by the seminar teacher. If either of these are not approved, you will be transferred to the self-study variant.??

More information about the examination in the seminar variant.

Self-study variant

If you sign up for the self-study variant, you?must?also sign up for this form of examination:

• Four hour school exam in Silurveien.?
• No examination support material is allowed.

More information about the examination in the self-study variant.

Language of examination

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.