English version published 2008-06-17 09.55.08

Study units and instruction

Study unit Bachelor´s Degree

In Finnish: Kandidaatin opinnot/vtk

Bachelor´s Degree

Credits: 180 , Credit Units: 120
  • Studies in major subject: basic and intermediate studies, 80 credits
  • General studies: 15 credits
  • Compulsory minor subject studies: 60 credits
  • Other minor subject studies (elective studies): 25 credits

Subordinate units

Study unit General Studies

In Finnish: Yleisopinnot/yleisopinnot

General Studies

Credits: 16 ,
  • Orientation course for foreign students
  • Basic course in finnish or swedish
  • Follow up course in finnish or swedish
  • TVT-studies: 5 credits

Study unit Basic Studies

In Finnish: Perusopinnot/71005

Basic Studies Kf110-Kf150

Credits: 25 , Credit Units: 15

Kf110-Kf150

Superordinate Units

Subordinate units

Study unit Kf110 Introduction to Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf110 Johdatus filosofiaan, 3 op/2 ov/71011

Kf110: Introduction to Philosophy

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 2

Unit description:

The aim is to present classic questions of philosophy in the fields of epistemology, metaphysics and ethics. The nature of philosophical knowledge and research will be examined and central approaches to these topics will be scrutinised.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course with an examination or book examination in a faculty examination.

Literature

Complete both a and b:

a)

  • Blackburn S.: Think

b)

  • Almond B.: Exploring Philosophy

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf120 Introduction to the History of Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf120 Johdatus filosofian historiaan, 5 op/2+1 ov/Kf120

Kf120 Introduction to the History of Philosophy

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 3

Unit description:

The aim is to introduce the student to the most important periods and traditions of thought in the history of philosophy as well as to the most important philosophers and their theories.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course with an examination or a book examination in a faculty examination.

Literature

Complete both Kf121 and Kf122

Study unit Kf121 Introduction Course on History of Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf121 Filosofian historian johdantokurssi, 3 op/2 ov/71012

Kf121: Introduction Course on History of Philosophy

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 2

Literature

Complete one of the following, 3 credits (2 credit units) each:

a)

  • Korkman P. & Yrjönsuuri M. (ed.): Filosofian historian kehityslinjoja (Kantiin saakka)

b)

  • Kenny A.: A Brief History of Western Philosophy.

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Filosofins historia, äldre delen, översikt >> 1

Study unit Kf122 Classics of History of Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf122 Käytännöllisen filosofian klassikkoteos, 2 op/1 ov/71014

Kf122: Classics of History of Philosophy

Credits: 2 , Credit Units: 1

Literature

Complete one of the following, 2 credits (1 credit unit) each:

a)

  • Plato: 3 dialogues of the following: Gorgias, Phaedo, Phaedrus, The Symposium, Kriton

b)

  • Aristotle: Ethica Nikomachea

c)

  • Hobbes T: Leviathan (parts I and II)

d)

  • Locke J: Second treatise of government

and

  • Mill J S: On liberty

e)

  • Rousseau J-J: Du contrat social

f)

  • Kant I.: Prolegomena

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf131 Introduction to Ethics

In Finnish: Kf131 Johdatus etiikkaan, 3 op/2 ov/kf131

Kf131 Introduction to Ethics

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 2

Unit description:

The aim is to present principal concepts, problems and theories in ethics.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course with an examination or a book examination in a faculty examination.

Literature

a) either

  • Norman, R.: The Moral Philosophers (edition 1998)

or both

  • Häyry M.: Ihannevaltio

and

  • Häyry, M.: Hyvä elämä ja oikea käytös

b) either

  • Gensler, H.: Ethics: A Contemporary Introduction (1998)

or

  • Rachels, J.: The Elements of Moral Philosophy (2003, 4. ed.)

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf132 Introduction to Social Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf132 Johdatus yhteiskuntafilosofiaan, 3 op/2 ov/kf132

Kf132 Introduction to Social Philosophy

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 2

Unit description:

The aim is to present principal concepts, problems and theories in ethics and social philosophy.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course with an examination or a book examination in a faculty examination.

Literature

  • Christman, J.: Social and Political Philosophy: A Contemporary Introduction (2002)

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf140: Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Science (71002)

In Finnish: Kf140 Johdatus yhteiskuntatieteiden filosofiaan, 3 op/3 ov/71002

Kf140: Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Science (71002)

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 3

Unit description:

The aim is to present the principal concepts and central schools in the philosophy of science and the philosophy of the social sciences.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course and examination, or book examination in a faculty examination.

Literature

Complete both a and b:

a) either

  • Chalmers A.: What is this thing called science? (chapters 1-9, 14-15. 3. ed.)

or

  • Raatikainen, P.: Ihmistieteet ja filosofia

b) either

  • Rosenberg A.: Philosophy of Social Science

or

  • Benton, T. & Craib, I.: Philosophy of Social Science.

Literature examinations

Study unit P4 Introduction to Epistemology

In Finnish: P4 Johdatus tieto-oppiin, 3 op/2 ov/P4

P4 Introduction to Epistemology

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 2

To be accomplished according to the requirements of the Dept. of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts.

Literature

One of the following:

a)

  • Lammenranta M.: Tietoteoria

b)

  • Bonjour L.: Epistemology: Classical Problems and Responses

Study unit P7 Introduction to Logic

In Finnish: P7 Johdatus logiikkaan, 5 op/3 ov/P7

P7 Introduction to Logic

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 3

To be accomplished according to the requirements of the Dept. of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts.

Literature

One of the following:

a)

  • Miettinen S.: Logiikka. Perusteet

b)

  • Barwise J. & Etchemendy J.: Language, Proof and Logic (Chapters 1-9)

Study unit Intermediate Studies Kf210-Kf290

In Finnish: Aineopinnot/71000

Intermediate Studies Kf210-Kf290

Credits: väh. 54 , Credit Units: väh. 30

Superordinate Units

Subordinate units

Study unit Kf210 History of Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf210 Filosofian historia, 6-10 op/4-6 ov/kf210

Kf210 History of Philosophy

Credits: 6 - 10 , Credit Units: 4 - 6

Unit description:

The study unit presents a relatively wide account of the history of philosophy, beginning with the pre Socratics and ending in the 20th century. In addition the student can concentrate on one main philosophical line of thought in the history of philosophy.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course and examination, or book examination in a faculty examination.

Prerequisite:

Study units Kf110 and Kf120.

Literature

Compulsory part,6 credits:

a)

  • Jones W T: A history of western philosophy I IV (it is recommended that the books are taken in two separate faculty examinations)

Supplementary part:

The lecture course or faculty examination can be supplemented by one or more of the following options b-e:

b)

  • Mulgan R. G.: Aristotle's Political Theory (2 credits)

c)

  • Tenkku J.: Vanhan- ja keskiajan moraalifilosofian historia (2 credits)

d)

  • Hampsher-Monk I.: A History of Modern Political Thought (4 credits)

c)

  • Annas, J.: The Morality of Happiness (2 credits)

Study unit Kf210 History of Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf210 Filosofian historian perusosa, 6 op/4 ov/71131

Kf210 History of Philosophy

Credits: 6 - 10 , Credit Units: 4 - 6

See study unit kf 210: http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/opas2007/kfil/kf210/index-en.html

Literature

Obligatory part, 6 credits:

a)

  • Jones W. T.: A History of Western Philosophy (2nd ed, vol. I-IV; it is recommended that the literature examination is divided into two parts: I & II and III & IV).

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf210 History of Philosophy, Supplementary part

In Finnish: Kf210 Filosofian historian täydennysosa, 2-4 op/1-2 ov/71031

Kf210 History of Philosophy, Supplementary part

Credits: 2 - 4 , Credit Units: 1 - 2

Literature

Complete one or more of the following:

b) (2 credits)

  • Mulgan R. G.: Aristotle's Political Theory

c) (2 credits)

  • Tenkku J.: Vanhan- ja keskiajan moraalifilosofian historia

d) (4 credits)

  • Hampsher-Monk I.: A History of Modern Political Thought

e) (2 credits)

  • Annas, J.: The Morality of Happiness

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

Courses in English

Hobbes to Kant: A Development and Comparison

Study units

Teachers

Doc. Martin Bertman

Time, location and registration

Nov 8 - Nov 11

Tue 10-12 and 14-16; Wed 10-12 and 14-16; Thu 10-12; Fri 10-12

Content

More information available in September on the web-site of the department.

Study unit Kf210 20th Century Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf220 Nykyajan filosofia, 5-10 op/3-5 ov/kf220

kf210 20th Century Philosophy

Credits: 5 - 10 , Credit Units: 3 - 5

Unit description:

The aim is to present the main lines of thought in contemporary philosophy as well as their development and relationship with each other.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course and examination, or book examination in a faculty examination.

Prerequisite:

Study units Kf110, Kf120, Kf140 and Kf150.

Literature

Compulsory part, 5 credits:

Complete a and b:

a)

  • Baldwin, T.: Contemporary Philosophy: Philosophy in English since 1945 (3 credits)

b)

  • Either Kearney R.: Modern Movements in European Philosophy

or

  • Moran, D.: Introduction to Phenomenology (2 credits)

Supplementary part:

The lecture course or faculty examination can be supplemented by one or more of the following options c-g:

c)

  • Jones W. T.: A History of Western Philosophy, part V (1 credit)

d)

  • Either Kearney R.: Modern Movements in European Philosophy

or

  • Moran, D.: Introduction to Phenomenology (2 credits) (the one not completed in the compulsory part)

e)

  • Salmela, M.: Suomalaisen kulttuurifilosofian vuosisata (1 credits)

f)

  • Soames, S.: Philosophical Analysis in the Twentieth Century I: The Dawn of Analysis (2 credits)

g)

  • Soames, S.: Philosophical Analysis in the Twentieth Century II: The Age of Meaning (2 credits)

Study unit Kf220 20th Century Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf220 Nykyajan filosofian perusosa, 5 op/3 ov/71132

Kf220 20th Century Philosophy

Credits: 5 - 10 , Credit Units: 3 - 5

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Modern and Contemporary Philosophy

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Dr. David Jenkins 297941

Time, location and registration

14.01.2008 - 28.04.2008

Period III-IV, Mon 16-18, S20A ls 334D

Organizer: theoretical philosophy

Compensations

3 credits in Kf220 (5 credits)

Study unit Kf220 20th Century Philosophy, Supplementary part

In Finnish: Kf220 Nykyajan filosofian täydennysosa, 1-5 op/1-2 ov/71035

Kf220 20th Century Philosophy, Compulsory part

Credits: 1 - 5 , Credit Units: 1 - 2

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf230 Ethics

In Finnish: Kf230 Etiikka, 5-10 op/3-5 ov/kf230

kf230 Ethics

Credits: 5 - 10 , Credit Units: 3 - 5

Unit description:

The aim is to present the principal concepts, problems and traditions in normative ethics, as well as value and norm theories and their practical applications.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course and examination, or book examination in a faculty examination.

Prerequisite:

Study units Kf110, Kf120 and Kf130.

Literature

Compulsory part, 5 credits:

Complete both a and b (5 credits):

a)

  • Timmons, M.: Moral Theory

b)

  • Darwall, S.: Philosophical Ethics

Supplementary part:

The lecture course or faculty examination can be supplemented by one or more of the following c-j:

c)

  • Blackburn, S.: Ruling Passions (2 credits)

d)

  • Hooker, B.: Ideal Code, Real World

and

  • Häyry, M.: Mahdollisimman monen onnellisuus (3 credits)

e)

  • Korsgaard, C.: The Sources of Normativity (2 credits)

f)

  • MacIntyre, A.: After Virtue (on suom.) (2 credits)

g)

  • Miller, A.: An Introduction to Contemporary Metaethics (2 credits)

h)

  • Smith, M.: The Moral Problem (2 credits)

i)

  • Rehg, W.: Insight and Solidarity (2 credits)

j)

  • Madison, G. & Fairbarn, M.: The Ethics of Postmodernity: Current Trends in Continental Thought (2 credits)

Study unit Kf230 Ethics

In Finnish: Kf230 Etiikan perusosa, 5 op/3 ov/71133

Kf230 Ethics

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 3

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Ethics

Credits

ECTS credits: 5 Credits (study weeks): 3

Teachers

University lecturer Olli Loukola 301843

Time, location and registration

15.01.2008 - 27.02.2008

Period III, Tue 12-14 and Wed 10-12 S20A lr 334d, examination 18.3. 14-16 S20A lr 334d, second examination 15.4. 14-16 S20A lr 334d, third examination 28.5.2008 (separate enrolment)

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 20.02.2008

Compensations

Lectures + supplementary literature 5 op Kf230

Course work and forms of study

Kurssi luennoidaan englanniksi, mutta oppimateriaali on saatavissa myös suomeksi. Luentojen loppukuulustelussa voi vastata suomeksi.

Website http://blogs.helsinki.fi/ethics-kfil/

Study unit Kf230 Ethics, Supplementary part

In Finnish: Kf230 Etiikan täydennysosa, 1-5 op/1-2 ov/71033

Kf230 Ethics, Compulsory part

Credits: 1 - 5 , Credit Units: 1 - 2

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Collective Moral Responsibility

Credits

ECTS credits: 4-6 Credits (study weeks): 2,5-4

Teachers

Researcher Pekka Mäkelä 275468

Time, location and registration

13.03.2008 - 24.04.2008

Period IV, Thu 9-12 in Main building (Fabianinkatu 33) lecture room 10 (new place!), Researcher Pekka Mäkelä, 20.3.-24.4. (lecture 13.3. is cancelled). First examination 28.4. from 9 to 12 and second examination 8.5. from 9 to 12, both in Main building (Fabianinkatu 33) lecture room 10.

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 24.04.2008

Content

There is a growing interest in the topic of collective responsibility among moral philosophers, philosophers of action and social action, and philosophers of the social sciences more generally. This interest is part of the more general trend of broadening the scope of morality to collectivities, groups, and corporate agents. Until lately almost all Western moral philosophers have approached the subject of responsibility armed with the assumption that the only interesting and important things to be said on that topic must be about individual human beings. During the last three or four decades, philosophers of the social sciences, especially of social action, have developed theories about collective and social action and conceptual tools to deal with the problems of collective and corporate agency.

This course introduces students to recent philosophical literature on collective moral responsibility. The focus will be on arguments for and against positions taken in answering the following questions: Can groups or collectives, as opposed to individuals, properly be assigned moral responsibility? Is there a plausible account of collective responsibility which does not make collective responsibility reducible to shared individual moral responsibility? Is there a plausible sense of collective responsibility that cannot be expressed exhaustively by speaking of merely individual responsibilities? To what kinds of groups can we correctly ascribe moral responsibility? Is it only organized collectives with an internal decision structure that can bear moral responsibility? Are there conditions under which moral responsibility can be ascribed also to non-organized groups or “random collections”? Can moral responsibility be properly ascribed to collectives as such? Or is collective responsibility according to the most plausible account responsibility ascribed collectively to individuals? Is collective responsibility always distributive? How should the agents be related to one another in acting to be correctly held collectively responsible for the action or the outcome of the action? How should the agents and their actions be related to the outcome of the action they are held collectively responsible for? Should every agent held collectively responsible contribute causally to the harm they are held responsible for?

Course work and forms of study

Participation in discussion during the lectures and essay (2500-4500 words).

Recommended background reading:

Larry May and Stacey Hoffman (Eds.): Collective Responsibility: Five Decades of Debate in Theoretical and Applied Ethics, Rowman

Guidelines for essays, see: http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/Writingessays.pdf

Materials for the essays:

  • (1) Pettit, French (folder), Richardson
  • (2) Copp, Ludwig, Miller
  • (3) Cooper (folder), Downie (folder), Held (folder)
  • (4) Kutz (folder)
  • (5) Kekes (folder).

Guidelines for discussion and readings:

I've tried to cook up guidelines for discussion and readings. The point of the exercise is to give some instructions to be kept in mind as you read. Hopefully they help you to structure the experience.

  • What was the main point of the paper?
  • What was/ were the question(s) of the paper?
  • What were the most important themes of the paper?
  • Was the author running an argumentative line? If what kind of?
  • Did the author defend a position, or alternatively criticise a position?
  • Characterise the positions introduced and discussed in the paper?
  • Reconstruct the most important constructive and critical arguments of the paper
  • Try to come up with possible arguments to attack the position defended in the paper or to defend the position criticised in the paper
  • Introduce your own position wrt the topic of the paper and argue for it
  • Ponder how the discussion of the paper relates to the fields of special interest of yours.

Discussion groups 17.4.

  • I Copp’s two general arguments for CMA and Ludwig’s critique
  • II The Kidnapping: Prime minister, Copp and Ludwig’s critique
  • III The Kidnapping: the Prime minister’s daughter and Ludwig’s critique
  • IV The Prison board and Ludwig’s critique
  • V The Tenure committee and Ludwig’s critique
  • VI Copp on objections

Some questions to get the discussion going: What is the point of the case? What kind of support and for what is the example designed to give? What is Ludwig’s critique? The point is to reconstruct the argumentative structure of the debate between Copp and Ludwig and to evaluate the success of Copp’s and Ludwig’s arguments.

Exam

Dates: Monday 28.4. (9.00-12.00), and Thursday 8.5. (9.00-12.00)

Readings: Lecture notes, slide handouts, Pettit, Copp, Kutz, and Kekes

There will be 5 questions in the exam and you should answer to 3 of them. The 5 questions will be picked out of the following 10:

  • 1) Kinds of responsibility. Name and characterize briefly kinds of ideas covered with “responsibility”
  • 2) Pettit: Group agents and value relevance.
  • 3) Pettit: Group agents and value sensitivity.
  • 4) Compatibilism-incompatibilism debate, what is at issue and what are the main positions?
  • 5) Copp: collective moral autonomy thesis.
  • 6) Kutz: consequentialism and collective harm (collectively brought about harm)
  • 7 Kekes: Liberalism and collective responsibility, the problem according to Kekes
  • 8) Discuss briefly the issues/questions a comprehensive account of collective moral responsibility should cover/answer
  • 9) Comprehensive theory of moral responsibility, discuss briefly the 4 main themes
  • 10) Normative questions and collective moral responsibility, discuss briefly

The questions above are subject to minor reformulations. Answers: max. 3 handwritten pages.

Lecture notes: http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/k2008/Makela.htm

Courses in English

Metaethical expressivism

Credits

ECTS credits: 4-6 Credits (study weeks): 2-4

Teachers

Teemu Toppinen, M. Soc.Sci. 1003230

Time, location and registration

11.03.2008 - 22.04.2008

Period IV, Tue 9-12 S20A sr 222

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 22.04.2008

Content

In this course we’ll explore the expressivist tradition in metaethics, with emphasis on the contemporary discussions. The focus will be on specific arguments for and against expressivism, but at the same time an interesting perspective on the development of a philosophical research program – from the radical emotivism of A. J. Ayer to the more mature expressivism of Simon Blackburn, Allan Gibbard, Michael Ridge, and others – hopefully will unfold.

The topics to be discussed include

  • the Open Question argument and the connection between normative judgment and practical reasoning
  • the Frege-Geach problem (in its different forms) and the various kinds of expressivist responses to the problem,
  • the question of the nature of the supervenience of the normative on the descriptive (or on the natural), and the explanatory challenges that this issue raises in metaethics,
  • the question of whether the expressivists have “attitude problems” – difficulties with providing an acceptable account of the mental states expressed by normative judgments,
  • the impact of the idea that the concepts of intentional states such as beliefs and desires are normative concepts on expressivism,
  • the connection (or rather lack of it) between expressivism and relativism,
  • the “problem of creeping minimalism”, and thus the question of how to understand the basic expressivist idea, in the first place.

Although the expressivist tradition provides the perspective from which these issues are being examined, many of the central debates in contemporary metaethics will thus receive attention. Consequently, ‘contemporary metaethics’ would also be a fitting name for the class.

Course work and forms of study

For each class meeting, some compulsory as well as some optional readings will be assigned. The students will be assigned some small-scale papers during the course, and they can also complement their studies in the class by writing an essay (around 6500 words) on one of the topics to be discussed.

Study unit Kf240 Social Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf240 Yhteiskuntafilosofia, 5-10 op/3-5 ov/Kf240

Kf240 Social Philosophy

Credits: 5 - 10 , Credit Units: 3 - 5

Unit description:

The principal concepts, central traditions of thought and their main representatives, ideologies and argumentation in social philosophy are examined in the study unit.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course and examination, or book examination in a faculty examination.

Prerequisite:

Study units Kf110, Kf120 and Kf130.

Literature

Compulsory part, 5 credits:

a)

  • Kymlicka W: Contemporary political philosophy: An introduction (latest edition)

Supplementary part:

In addition of a), one or more of the following books b)-i):

b)

  • Feinberg J.: Harm to Others (3 credits)

c)

  • Hoy T. C. & McCarthy T.: Critical Theory (2 credits)

d)

  • Ingram, D. (ed.): The Political (2 credits)

e)

  • Held, D.: Models of Democracy (2 credits)

f)

  • Kymlicka, W.: Politics and the Vernacular. Nationalism, Multiculturalism and Citizenship. (2 credits)

g)

  • MacIntyre A.: Whose Justice? Which Rationality? (2 credits)

h)

  • Rawls J.: Theory of Justice tai Rawls J.: Political Liberalism (2 credits)

i)

  • Conway D.: Classical Liberalism. The Unvanquished Ideal (2 credits)

Study unit Kf240 Social Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf240 Yhteiskuntafilosofian perusosa, 5 op/3 ov/71134

Kf240 Social Philosophy

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 3

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf240 Social Philosophy, Supplementary part

In Finnish: Kf240 Yhteiskuntafilosofian täydennysosa, 1-5 op/1-2 ov/71034

Kf240 Social Philosophy, Compulsory part

Credits: 1 - 5 , Credit Units: 1 - 2

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Human Rights- Philosophy and Institutions

Credits

ECTS credits: 2-6 Credits (study weeks): 1-3

Teachers

Doc. Sirkku Hellsten 299907

Time, location and registration

04.02.2008 - 08.02.2008

Periodically 4.2.-8.2. each day 14-18. Place: Mon, Wed, Thu and Fri S20A sr 303, Tue S20A lr 334d

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 04.02.2008

Content

This course covers the philosophical, theoretical and cultural foundations of human rights as well as wider political and legal international perspectives and different generations of human rights. The lectures critically discuss the liberal theories of human rights and their critics both historically and in the present time. The course examines some of the philosophical foundations of modern notions of rights by looking specifically at the Natural Rights theorists of the seventeenth century. We will discuss various conceptions within this tradition, and examine in more detail what is understood by the notions “State of Nature”, “Natural Law” and “Natural Rights” and "the Social Contract" and their Utilitarian and Marxist critique. We will be assessing the validity of various philosophical and cultural justifications for and critique of human rights. We will also question how the philosophical, political and cultural disputes over the origins of human rights are related to the current issues of global justice. In relation to this Asian, African and Islamic critiques of and approaches to human rights will be explored as well as the rights of key groups of minorities, women and children. Main international human rights instruments will be also introduced and their prospects and problems discussed.

MODULE SUMMARY:

  • Topic 1 Philosophical foundations of Human Rights
  • Topic 2 Utilitarian critique of human rights
  • Topic 3 Marxist critique of human rights
  • Topic 4 Three generations of human rights thinking
  • Topic 5 Cultural relativism and the Asian critique of human rights
  • Topic 6 African foundations for human rights
  • Topic 7 Islamic foundations for human rights
  • Topic 8 The rights of minorities as human rights
  • Topic 9 Women's rights
  • Topic 10 Main human rights institutions

For more information, see the course description on http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/k2008/Hellsten%2dHumanRights.doc

Course work and forms of study

Participation in discussion during the lectures and essay (2500-4500 words).

Courses in English

Plurality, Pluralism and Democracy

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Docent Kristian Klockars 302133

Time, location and registration

16.01.2008 - 28.02.2008

Period III, Wed 12-14 S20A lr 334d, and Thu 12-14 U40 lr 14, 16.1.-27.2., examination 28.2., second examination 6.3. 12-14 in S20A sr 303. Third examination option in 28.5. 16-19 S20A sud 107 (separate enrolment).

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 21.02.2008

Content

The course is intended for students in political philosophy and related subjects on an intermediate and advanced level. The course consists of lectures, readings of related texts, discussions and a final essay on an agreed upon subject.

For more information, see: http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/k2008/Klockars.htm

Study unit Kf250 Scientific Reasoning and Philosophical Argumentation

In Finnish: Kf250 Tieteellinen päättely ja argumentaatio, 5-10 op/3-5 ov/71151

Kf250 Scientific Reasoning and Philosophical Argumentation

Credits: 5 - 10 , Credit Units: 3 - 5

Unit description:

The aim is to present the principal concepts of modern logic and especially to provide the student with technical abilities to study inferences within first-order predicate logic. Alternatively the student can study the conceptual foundations of philosophical argumentation. The student is introduced to predicate calculus, set theory, the philosophy of logic and to practical application of logic in argumentation.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course and examination, or book examination in a faculty examination.

Prerequisite:

Study units Kf110 and Kf150.

Literature

Complete 5 credits out of the list below so, that at least one book is chosen from a-f (argumentation), one book from g-i (scientific reasoning):

Argumentation:

a)

  • Haack, S.: Philosophy of logics (2 credits)

b)

  • Engel, P.: The Norm of Truth (3 credits)

c)

  • Suppes, P.: Introduction to logic (3 credits)

d)

  • Walton, D. M.: Pragmatic Theory of Fallacy (2 credits)

e)

  • Rantala, W. ja Virtanen, A.: Johdatus Modaalilogiikkaan (ss. 5-227) (2 credits)

f)

  • Kakkuri-Knuuttila, M.-L. (ed.): Argumentti ja Kritiikki (1 credit)

Scientific reasoning:

g)

  • Niiniluoto, I.: Tieteellinen päättely ja selittäminen (1 credit)

h)

  • Giere, R.N.: Understanding Scientific Reasoning (3 credits)

i)

  • Pera M.: The Discourses of Science (2 credits)

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Scientific Reasoning and Philosophical Argumentation

Credits

ECTS credits: 5 Credits (study weeks): 3

Teachers

Visiting professor Tim De Mey (Erasmus University Rotterdam & Ghent University)

Time, location and registration

21.04.2008 - 29.04.2008

Period IV, lectures April 21-29, on Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri from 12-16 in Unioninkatu 40. Examination May 5 from 12-14 in U40 room 15. Second examination May 15 from 12-14 in U40 room 15, also essays and home work should be submitted by May 15. See the exact place from the daily schedule below.

Registration time in webOodi 01.03.2008 - 22.04.2008

Content

Lecture 1, Monday 21st of April, 12-16, Unioninkatu 40 (U40) room 15 (3rd floor)
A metaphilosophical introduction

In the first lecture, several styles of philosophical argumentation are discussed. Subsequently, the methodological and foundational problems which analytic philosophy faces are identified. It is argued, firstly, that an adequate normative theory of philosophical thought experiments can solve the most pressing methodological and foundational problems and, secondly, that an adequate descriptive theory of scientific thought experiments is a prerequisite to that end.

Lecture 2, Tuesday 22nd of April, 12-16, Unioninkatu 40 room 6 (3 rd floor)
Thought experiments and causal analysis

In this lecture two kinds of thought experiments are distinguished in terms of the roles they play in singular causal analysis, i.e., contrastive and counterfactual thought experiments. After briefly considering the psychology of contrastive and counterfactual reasoning, a methodology is proposed which allows historians and, for that matter, social scientists, to use these kinds of thought experiments to construct and argue for weighed causal explanations.

Lecture 3, Thursday 24th of April, 12-16, U40 room 15
Thought experiments, theory choice and scientific discovery

As Kuhn’s so-called paradox of thought experiments testifies, it is far from obvious that scientific thought experiments can play a role in theory choice. In this lecture, the debate in philosophy of science will be reviewed and two theories will be developed and defended, i.e., (1) the dual nature theory of thought experiments and (2) the incongruity-resolution theory of the evidential significance of thought experiments. As a bonus, the latter also sheds light on the functions thought experiments can fulfill in scientific discovery.

Lecture 4, Friday 25th of April, 12-16, U40 room 15
Thought experiments and conceptual analysis

In analytic philosophy, thought experiments play a pivotal role in conceptual analysis. In this lecture, various examples will be situated, analyzed and assessed. Subsequently, the basic structure of arguments based on thought experiments will be revealed. Finally, the kinds of support there can be for the premises of such arguments, will be discussed.

Lecture 5, Monday 28th of April, 12-16, U40 room 15
The metaphysics and epistemology of modality

In this lecture, the metaphysical and epistemological underpinnings of the abundant use of thought experiments in analytic philosophy, will be discussed. The focus will be on the kinds of access we have to possibilities. Can we and do we have to trust on our modal intuitions? Or can we conceive of conceivability in such a way that it warrants possibility?

Lecture 6, Tuesday 29th of April, 12-16, U40 room 13 (3rd floor)
A metaphilosophical conclusion

In this lecture the normative theory of philosophical thought experiments, required to solve the most pressing methodological and foundational problems which analytical philosophy faces, will be developed and defended.

Study unit Kf270 Philosophy of the Social Sciences

In Finnish: Kf270 Yhteiskuntatieteiden filosofia, 5-10 op/3-5 ov/kf270

Kf270 Philosophy of the Social Sciences

Credits: 5 - 10 , Credit Units: 3 - 5

Unit description:

The study unit concentrates on the nature of human action and on the formation of concepts and theories in social sciences.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course and examination, or book examination in a faculty examination.

Prerequisite:

Study units Kf110, Kf130 and Kf140.

Literature

Compulsory part:

complete both a and b (please, negotiate with the examinator about an alternative book in English to b):

a)

  • Kincaid, H.: Philosophical Foundations of the Social Sciences (2 credits)

b)

  • Kiikeri, M. ja Ylikoski, P.: Tiede tutkimuskohteena: filosofinen johdatus tieteentutkimukseen (1 credit)

With the compulsory book, complete at least one of the following options c)-k):

c)

  • Gilbert, M.: On Social Facts (3 credits)

d)

  • Henderson, D.: Interpretation and Explanation in the Human Science (3 credits)

e)

  • Mele, A.: The Philosophy of Action (2 credits)

f)

  • Pettit, P.: The Common Mind, ss. 1-283 (3 credits)

g)

  • Searle, J.: The Construction of Social Reality (2 credits)

h)

  • Audi, R.: The Architecture of Reason: The Structure and Substance of Rationality (2 credits)

i)

  • Laland, K. ja Brown, G.: Sense and Nonsense: Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Behavior (2 credits)

j)

  • Giere, R.N.: Explaining Science (2 credits)

k)

  • Bernstein R. J.: Beyond Objectivism and Relativism (2 credits)

Study unit Kf270 Philosophy of the Social Sciences

In Finnish: Kf270 Yhteiskuntatieteiden filosofian perusosa, 5 op/3 ov/71153

Kf270 Philosophy of the Social Sciences

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 3

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf270 Philosophy of the Social Sciences, Supplementary part

In Finnish: Kf270 Yhteiskuntatieteiden filosofian täydennysosa, 1-5 op/1-2 ov/71053

Kf270 Philosophy of the Social Sciences, Compulsory part

Credits: 2 - 7 , Credit Units: 1 - 3

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Collective Moral Responsibility

Credits

ECTS credits: 4-6 Credits (study weeks): 2,5-4

Teachers

Researcher Pekka Mäkelä 275468

Time, location and registration

13.03.2008 - 24.04.2008

Period IV, Thu 9-12 in Main building (Fabianinkatu 33) lecture room 10 (new place!), Researcher Pekka Mäkelä, 20.3.-24.4. (lecture 13.3. is cancelled). First examination 28.4. from 9 to 12 and second examination 8.5. from 9 to 12, both in Main building (Fabianinkatu 33) lecture room 10.

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 24.04.2008

Content

There is a growing interest in the topic of collective responsibility among moral philosophers, philosophers of action and social action, and philosophers of the social sciences more generally. This interest is part of the more general trend of broadening the scope of morality to collectivities, groups, and corporate agents. Until lately almost all Western moral philosophers have approached the subject of responsibility armed with the assumption that the only interesting and important things to be said on that topic must be about individual human beings. During the last three or four decades, philosophers of the social sciences, especially of social action, have developed theories about collective and social action and conceptual tools to deal with the problems of collective and corporate agency.

This course introduces students to recent philosophical literature on collective moral responsibility. The focus will be on arguments for and against positions taken in answering the following questions: Can groups or collectives, as opposed to individuals, properly be assigned moral responsibility? Is there a plausible account of collective responsibility which does not make collective responsibility reducible to shared individual moral responsibility? Is there a plausible sense of collective responsibility that cannot be expressed exhaustively by speaking of merely individual responsibilities? To what kinds of groups can we correctly ascribe moral responsibility? Is it only organized collectives with an internal decision structure that can bear moral responsibility? Are there conditions under which moral responsibility can be ascribed also to non-organized groups or “random collections”? Can moral responsibility be properly ascribed to collectives as such? Or is collective responsibility according to the most plausible account responsibility ascribed collectively to individuals? Is collective responsibility always distributive? How should the agents be related to one another in acting to be correctly held collectively responsible for the action or the outcome of the action? How should the agents and their actions be related to the outcome of the action they are held collectively responsible for? Should every agent held collectively responsible contribute causally to the harm they are held responsible for?

Course work and forms of study

Participation in discussion during the lectures and essay (2500-4500 words).

Recommended background reading:

Larry May and Stacey Hoffman (Eds.): Collective Responsibility: Five Decades of Debate in Theoretical and Applied Ethics, Rowman

Guidelines for essays, see: http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/Writingessays.pdf

Materials for the essays:

  • (1) Pettit, French (folder), Richardson
  • (2) Copp, Ludwig, Miller
  • (3) Cooper (folder), Downie (folder), Held (folder)
  • (4) Kutz (folder)
  • (5) Kekes (folder).

Guidelines for discussion and readings:

I've tried to cook up guidelines for discussion and readings. The point of the exercise is to give some instructions to be kept in mind as you read. Hopefully they help you to structure the experience.

  • What was the main point of the paper?
  • What was/ were the question(s) of the paper?
  • What were the most important themes of the paper?
  • Was the author running an argumentative line? If what kind of?
  • Did the author defend a position, or alternatively criticise a position?
  • Characterise the positions introduced and discussed in the paper?
  • Reconstruct the most important constructive and critical arguments of the paper
  • Try to come up with possible arguments to attack the position defended in the paper or to defend the position criticised in the paper
  • Introduce your own position wrt the topic of the paper and argue for it
  • Ponder how the discussion of the paper relates to the fields of special interest of yours.

Discussion groups 17.4.

  • I Copp’s two general arguments for CMA and Ludwig’s critique
  • II The Kidnapping: Prime minister, Copp and Ludwig’s critique
  • III The Kidnapping: the Prime minister’s daughter and Ludwig’s critique
  • IV The Prison board and Ludwig’s critique
  • V The Tenure committee and Ludwig’s critique
  • VI Copp on objections

Some questions to get the discussion going: What is the point of the case? What kind of support and for what is the example designed to give? What is Ludwig’s critique? The point is to reconstruct the argumentative structure of the debate between Copp and Ludwig and to evaluate the success of Copp’s and Ludwig’s arguments.

Exam

Dates: Monday 28.4. (9.00-12.00), and Thursday 8.5. (9.00-12.00)

Readings: Lecture notes, slide handouts, Pettit, Copp, Kutz, and Kekes

There will be 5 questions in the exam and you should answer to 3 of them. The 5 questions will be picked out of the following 10:

  • 1) Kinds of responsibility. Name and characterize briefly kinds of ideas covered with “responsibility”
  • 2) Pettit: Group agents and value relevance.
  • 3) Pettit: Group agents and value sensitivity.
  • 4) Compatibilism-incompatibilism debate, what is at issue and what are the main positions?
  • 5) Copp: collective moral autonomy thesis.
  • 6) Kutz: consequentialism and collective harm (collectively brought about harm)
  • 7 Kekes: Liberalism and collective responsibility, the problem according to Kekes
  • 8) Discuss briefly the issues/questions a comprehensive account of collective moral responsibility should cover/answer
  • 9) Comprehensive theory of moral responsibility, discuss briefly the 4 main themes
  • 10) Normative questions and collective moral responsibility, discuss briefly

The questions above are subject to minor reformulations. Answers: max. 3 handwritten pages.

Lecture notes: http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/k2008/Makela.htm

Courses in English

Seminar on Cooperation and its Evolution

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 3-5 Credits (study weeks): 2-3

Teachers

Prof. Raimo Tuomela 302040

Time, location and registration

05.09.2007 - 17.10.2007

Period I, Wed 14-18 S20A kok 244

Registration time in webOodi 1.9.2007 - 17.10.2007

Content

In this seminar the cooperation will be analyzed discussed in various contexts, especially in the case of collective action dilemmas and group contexts. The seminar starts by a presentation of philosophical and conceptual accounts of cooperation. Thus, I will present my own account of cooperation (see Tuomela: The Philosophy of Sociality: The Shared Point of View, Oxford University Press, 2007). The seminar participants are expected to participate by presenting the philosophical accounts by Bratman, McMahon, Searle, and Heath. Also game-theoretical views will be covered (by means of the recent textbook by Hargreaves Heap and Varoufakis or other works, depending on the participants’ interests and level of knowledge). The evolutionary aspects will concentrate on the cultural evolution of cooperation, especially the account by Richerson and Boyd.

The seminar will meet on Wednesdays at 14.15-17.30 in Siltavuorenpenger 20 A, room 244. The first session will be on Wednesday 5.9. and the last one on 19.10. Passing the seminar requires writing an acceptable term paper.

Study unit Kf281 Philosophical Writing (71003)

In Finnish: Kf281 Filosofian metodiopinnot ja työelämäorientaatio, 1 op/1 ov/71003

Kf281: Philosophical Writing (71003)

Credits: 1 , Credit Units: 1

Unit description:

The aim of the course is to familiarize the student with the practises of philosophical writing, for example, philosophical argumentation and the use of source materials.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course and exercises (lectures on using source material are arranged before seminars) and book examination in a faculty examination.

Prerequisite:

Basic studies.

Literature

  • Rosenberg J F: The Practice of Philosophy (2nd ed.).

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf280 Seminars and Preparatory Essay for the Bachelor’s Degree

In Finnish: Kf282 ja Kf283 Proseminaari I ja II, 4+4 op/2+2 ov/71154

Kf282-283 Seminars and Preparatory Essay for the Bachelor’s Degree

Credits: 4 - 8 , Credit Units: 2 - 4

Unit description:

The aim of the seminar is to familiarize the student with the practises of scientific discussion and philosophical writing.

Mode of assessment:

Active participation in seminar work during two terms. Each student writes two seminar essays (both 10-15 pages) and twice acts as an opponent. The students majoring in philosophy start writing their Bachelor's thesis during the second term. Preregistration forms are found outside the office of the department.

Prerequisite:

Basic studies and at least one of study units Kf210-Kf270; the seminar essays should be based on the intermediate studies.

Courses in English

Seminar in English, Autumn term

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 4 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Researcher Liuda Kocnovaite

Time, location and registration

10.9.2007 - 15.12.2006

First meeting Mon 10 September, 16-19 S20A sr 244, then Thu 20.9. and Thu 27.9. both 14-16 S20A sr 222.

Seminar paper presentations begin Oct 31, every Wed 16-18 and Thur 14-16 S20A lr 222, MA Liuda Kocnovaite and FD Bernt Österman.

Preregistration by September 4 to the Department office or tuula.pietila@helsinki.fi

Searching Information about a Specific Subject

You will learn to find books and articles about a specific subject, e.g. for writing an essay; you will be able to define suitable search terms, perform a search in a database and evaluate the retrieved data. The NELLI portal is used for selecting the information sources and the Ebsco databases for practicing search techniques. The working methods are exercises and instruction in a computer classroom.

  • Thu 1.11. at 16.15-17.45 (registration time 22.10.- 29.10.)

Registration: http://www.helsinki.fi/opiskelijakirjasto/english/training/courses.htm#searchinginformation

Prerequisites

Basic studies

Kf281 Methods of Philosophy (book examination in faculty examination - Rosenberg: The Practice of Philosophy)

Target group/Course level

English speaking students; intermediate level of studies

Courses in English

Kf280 Seminar in Philosophy, Spring term

Credits

ECTS credits: 4 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

FM Liuda Kocnovaite

Time, location and registration

16.01.2008 - 30.04.2008

First meeting Jan 16, 16-19 S20A sr 222, then, Wed 10-12 and Thur 14-16 S20A lr 222 beginning from March 12, MA Liuda Kocnovaite and FD Bernt Österman, no meetings in March 19 and 23.

Preregistration by Jan 9 to the Department office or tuula.pietila@helsinki.fi

Prerequisites

Basic studies

Kf281 Methods of Philosophy (book examination in faculty examination - Rosenberg: The Practice of Philosophy)

Target group/Course level

English speaking students; intermediate level of studies

Study unit Kf290 Bachelor’s Thesis

In Finnish: Kandidaatintutkielma, 6 op/3 ov/71054

Kf290 Bachelor’s Thesis

Credits: 6 , Credit Units: 3

Unit description:

The aim of the Bachelor's thesis is to familiarise students in independent research, methods of philosophy, argumentation, the use of source material and scientific writing.

Mode of assessment:

NB! The Bachelor thesis is part of the major subject studies only. The thesis is an essay of 25-35 pages which is based on a seminar paper that has been previously approved (in seminar Kf280). Writing of the Bachelor's thesis is mainly independent work supported by seminars and study groups. The topic of the thesis and the working plan are discussed with the assistant teacher during the seminars. During the writing of the thesis students should also regularly consult the thesis supervisor.

Study unit Master´s Degree

In Finnish: Maisteriopinnot/syv

Master´s Degree

Credits: 120 ,
  • Advanced studies: 45 credits
  • Pro gradu: 40 credits
  • Other minor subject studies or supplementary studies in philosophy: 35 credits

Subordinate units

Study unit Kf310 Research Plan Seminar

In Finnish: Kf310 Tutkimussuunnitelmaseminaari, 4 op + maisterivaiheen HOPS 1op, yht. 5 op/2 ov/71058

Kf310 Research Plan Seminar

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 2

Unit description:

The aim is to provide assistance in choosing a topic for the Master's thesis and to work out a preparatory research plan for the thesis.

Mode of assessment:

The seminar work includes writing a subject outline, specifying of question setting and working out a research plan for the Master=s thesis. For more information, contact the Foreign Students' Adviser. Preregistration forms are found outside the office of the department.

Prerequisite:

Study unit Kf290.

Literature

  • Hakala J: Creative thesis writing : A guide to development and research
  • Martinich A: Philosophical writing: An introduction.

Study unit Kf320 Philosophical Classics

In Finnish: Kf320 Filosofisia alkuperäisteoksia, 5 op/3 ov/71402

Kf320 Philosophical Classics

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 3

Unit description:

The aim is introduce some ancient or contemporary classic work or tradition of thought in the field of practical philosophy.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture course with an examination, and/or a written report on a theme using sources agreed with the supervisor and/or book examination in a faculty examination.

Prerequisite:

Study unit Kf210.

Literature

Complete one or two of the following options a-s, approximately 6 credits (3 credit units) each. Other books can be chosen with the consent of the supervisor. NB! Consult your supervisor for the choice of books.

a)

  • Plato: Politeia,

and either

  • Irwin T: Plato's ethics

or

  • Gould J: The development of Plato's ethics

b)

  • Aristotle: Ethica Nicomakhea,

and either

  • Hardie W F R: Aristotle's ethical theory

or

  • Rorty A O (ed.): Essays on Aristotle's ethics

c)

  • Thomas Aquinas: Summa theologiae

and

  • Ullman W: Medieval political thought

d)

  • Lerner R & Madhi M (eds): Medieval political philosophy: A sourcebook

and

  • Ullman W: Medieval political thought

e)

  • Hobbes T: Leviathan,

and

  • Watkins J W: Hobbes' system of ideas

f)

  • Locke J: Two treatises of government (ed. Laslett),

and e.g.

  • Schochet G J: Life, liberty and property

or

  • Lloyd Thomas D A: Routledge philosophy guidebook to Locke on government

g)

  • Spinoza B: Ethica,

and selected chapters of

  • Kashap S P (ed.): Studies in Spinoza

h) Either

  • Hume D: Enquiry concerning the principles of morals,

or

  • Hume D: Treatise of human nature, book III,

and either

  • Chappell V C (ed.): Hume,

or

  • Miller D: Hume's political thought

i)

  • SelbyBigge L A (ed.): British moralists,

and

  • Willey B: The English moralists

j)

  • Rousseau J-J: Du contrat social,

and either

  • Durkheim E: Montesquieu and Rousseau

or

  • Masters R D: The political philosophy of Rousseau

k)

  • Kant I: Critik der praktischen Vernunft;

and either

  • Kant I: Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten

or

  • Kant I: Lectures on ethics;

read also either

  • Beck L W: A commentary of Kant's Critique of practical reason

or

  • Sullivan R: Immanuel Kant=s moral theory

l)

  • Hegel G W F: Grundlinien der Philosophie des Rechts,

and either

  • Avineri S: Hegel's theory of the modern state

or

  • Pelczynski Z A (ed.): Hegel's political philosophy

m)

  • Parekh B (ed.): Bentham's political thought,

or

  • Mill J S: Utilitarianism

and

  • Quinton A: Utilitarian ethics;

read also either

  • Smart J J C & Williams B: Utilitarianism: For and against,

or

  • Schneewind J B: Sidgwick's ethics and Victorian moral philosophy

n)

  • Elster J: Making sense of Marx,

and either

  • Marx K: Ökonomisch-philosophische Manuskripte 1844

or

  • Marx K: Das Kapital I.

o)

  • Moore G E: Principia Ethica,

and

  • Schilpp P A (ed.): The philosophy of G E Moore (parts II: 1 6 and III: 1)

p)

  • Wittgenstein L: Philosophische Untersuchungen,

and

  • Wittgenstein L: ALecture on ethics@ (in Philosophical Review Jan. 1965),

and

  • Kannisto H: 'Miksi Wittgenstein (lähes) vaikeni etiikasta?' (in Tiede ja edistys 3/89, pp. 213 218)

and

  • Pitkin H F: Wittgenstein and justice

q)

  • Horkheimer M & Adorno T: Dialektik der Aufklärung,

and either

  • Schmidt A: Die Idee der kritischen Theorie

or

  • Held D: Introduction to critical theory

r)

  • Nietzsche F: Jenseits von Gut und Böse

and e.g.

  • Bernstein J A: Nietzsche's moral philosophy

or

  • Nehamas A: Nietzsche: Life as literature

s)

  • Heidegger M: Sein und Zeit

and

  • Kisiel T: The Genesis of Heidegger's 'Being and time'.

r)

  • Sidgwick H.: Methods of Ethics

and

  • Schneewind J.B.: Sidgwick's Ethics and Victorian Moral Philosophy

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

Courses in English

Kant's Critique of Practical Reason

Credits

ECTS credits: 3-5 Credits (study weeks): 2-3

Teachers

Dr Jens Timmerman (Universities of St Andrews and Helsinki )

Time, location and registration

26.03.2008 - 28.03.2008

Period IV, periodically March 26-28, 4 hours each day (two sessions / day), each day 12-16, in Unioninkatu 37, seminar room 2.

Registration time in webOodi 01.03.08 - 26.03.08

Content

The course will focus on major themes in the second of Kant's three Critiques, the Critique of Practical Reason (1788), e.g. the nature of moral consciousness (the ‘fact of reason’), the justification of morality, ‘deontology’ (‘good’ and ‘right’), Kant's theory of ‘respect for the law’ as the motive of moral action and his reconciliation of freedom and determinism. It would be good if students were familiar with the basics of Kantian ethics, epistemology and metaphysics (i.e. the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals and the Critique of Pure Reason).

Session 1: Kant’s Critique of Practical Reason. Why did Kant come to think that a ‘critique’ of practical reason was needed? How is the project of the second Critique related to hat of the Groundwork and the first Critique? (read V 3–16)

Session 2: The derivation of the moral law (V 19–33)

Session 3: What is the significance of the ‘fact of reason’? In which sense can it replace a critical justification or ‘deduction’ of the moral law? (V 42–50)

Session 4: What is the ‘object of practical reason’? (V 57–71)

Session 5: How does Kant conceive of moral motivation? (V 71–89)

Session 6: Kant’s reconciliation of freewill and natural determinism (V 89–106)

Course text:

  • Immanuel Kant, Critique of Practical Reason, trans. M. Gregor, either in: Kant, Practical Philosophy, Cambridge 1996 (also contains Kant’s essay on ‘Theory and Practice’, in a sense his own commentary on parts of the Critique of Practical Reason in the face of public criticism, and well worth reading); published separately, with an introduction by A. Reath, in the Cambridge Texts in the History of Philosophy series, Cambridge 1997 (both books available in paperback). The German original: I. Kant, Kritik der praktischen Vernunft, vol. V of the ‘academy edition’, Berlin 1908/13 (paperback, Berlin 1968). NB: references are to the pages of this edition, reprinted in the margin of Gregor’s translation.

Secondary Literature:

  • L. W. Beck, A Commentary on Kant’s Critique of Practical Reason, Chicago 1960 O. Höffe, ed.,
  • Immanuel Kant. Kritik der praktischen Vernunft, Berlin 2002 (with articles in both English and German)
Courses in English

Virtue Epistemology

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Researcher Giedre Vasiliauskaite

Time, location and registration

14.3.2006 - 5.5.2006

Tue and Fri 12-14 S20A room 244. Lectures 14.3.-11.4. and 21.4.-28.4., exam 5.5.

Preregistration by email to: tuula.pietila@helsinki.fi before 13.3.

Compensations

Kf230 Ethics - supplement; Kf330a Normative Ethics; Kf330b Meta Ethics

Content

The main purpose of this course is to introduce and analyze the main issues in virtue epistemology. Course material can be divided into two large groups debating with each other over various epistemic problems, virtue reliabilism and virtue responsibilism. Our inquiry will get going by considering how virtue epistemology emerges as a successor of process reliabilism and is it able to deal with the standard problems of the latter account as well as address the skeptical challenges. Next the course will proceed with the analysis of virtue responsibilism. Attention will be given to the nature of intellectual virtue: should it be described in terms of the reliability of the cognitive faculties, or should it be regarded as a close counterpart of the Aristotelian moral virtue? Finally, there will be the investigation of the meaning and significance of such concepts as motivation and responsibility in epistemic theory and whether virtue epistemology opens up the possibility to explore social dimensions of knowledge.

The course will have an interactive format, consisting both of lectures and seminars. There will be 6 hours of introductory lectures at the beginning of the course, followed by the seminars during the remaining of the course and the final discussion at the final session. Seminars will be based on reading and discussing one article. Students will be expected to make informed thoughtful contributions to class discussion on the regular basis. Also, they will be required to make presentations on the basis of the articles and suggest some background for discussion.

Course work and forms of study

The examination will be held by writing a paper on the chosen topic, discussed with the instructor beforehand.

Background reading

1. Sosa, E., 1991, Knowledge in Perspective, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

2. Zagzebski, L., 1996, Virtues of the Mind, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

3. Axtell, G., (ed.), 2000, Knowledge, Belief and Character: Readings in Virtue Epistemology, Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield.

4. Fairweather, A. and Zagzebski, L., (eds.), 2001, Virtue Epistemology: Essays on Epistemic Virtue and Responsibility, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

5. Greco’s online overview on virtue epistemology at Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy at: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/epistemology-virtue

6. Axtel’s online introductory article at: http://www.scsr.nevada.edu/%7Eaxtell/introduction.html

7. Zagzebski’s entry on Virtue Epistemology in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy at: http://www.iep.utm.edu/v/VirtueEp.htm

Texts for the seminars:

1. Sosa, Ernest, (1991) “Intellectual Virtue in Perspective” Knowledge in Perspective, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press p.270-293.

2. Goldman, Alvin (1992) “Epistemic Folkways and Scientific Epistemology”, reprinted in Axtell, G., (ed.), 2000, Knowledge, Belief and Character: Readings in Virtue Epistemology, Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield, p.3-19.

3. Kornblith, Hilary (1985) “Ever Since Descartes”, reprinted in Axtell, G., (ed.), 2000, Knowledge, Belief and Character: Readings in Virtue Epistemology, Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield, p. 41-55.

4. Greco John, “Virtue, Skepticism and Context”, Axtell, G., (ed.), 2000, Knowledge, Belief and Character: Readings in Virtue Epistemology, Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield, p.55-73.

5. Code, Lorraine (1984) “Toward a ‘Responsibilist’ Epistemology”, Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, Vol.XLV, p.29-50.

6. Zagzebski, Linda (2000) “From Reliabilism to Virtue Epistemology”, Axtell, G., (ed.), Knowledge, Belief and Character: Readings in Virtue Epistemology, Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield, p.113-123.

7. Driver, Julia, (2000) “Moral and Epistemic Virtue”, Axtell, G., (ed.), Knowledge, Belief and Character: Readings in Virtue Epistemology, Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield, p. 123-135.

8. Montmarquet, James (2000) “An ‘Internalist’ Conception of Epistemic Virtue”, Axtell, G., (ed.), Knowledge, Belief and Character: Readings in Virtue Epistemology, Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield, p.135-149.

Course material will be available at Philosophica starting from the 10.01.2006.

Study unit Kf330 Specialisation Studies

In Finnish: Kf330 Erikoistuminen, 20 op/15 ov/71403

Kf330 Specialisation Studies

Credits: 5 - 20 , Credit Units: 15

Unit description:

This study unit will involve a close study and careful appraisal of two areas of specialisation chosen from the following options a-m. Students are encouraged to discuss their own topics of interest with their supervisors and to suggest other books in addition to those recommended.

Mode of assessment:

Lecture courses with examinations, and/or a written report on a theme using sources agreed with the supervisor and/or faculty examination and/or other mode of performance agreed with the supervisor.

Areas of specialisation:

  • a) Normative Ethics
  • b) Meta Ethics
  • c) Applied Ethics
  • d) Philosophical Aesthetics and Philosophy of Culture
  • e) Social Philosophy
  • f) History of Social and Moral Philosophy
  • g) Philosophy of History and the Study of Ideas
  • h) Philosophy of Law
  • i) Philosophy and Pedagogics
  • j) Philosophy of Science
  • k) Science and Technology Studies
  • l) Philosophy of the Social Sciences
  • m) Formal Methods and their Foundations in the Social Sciences.

Literature

3 4 books from the two chosen areas of specialisation. Other books can be chosen with the consent of the supervisor. NB! Consult your supervisor for the choice of books.

Superordinate Units

Courses

Subordinate units

Study unit Kf330a) Normative Ethics

In Finnish: Kf330 a) Normatiivinen etiikka/71020

a) Normative Ethics

Literature

  • Dancy, J.: Ethics without Principles
  • Scheffler S. (toim.): Consequentialism and Its Critics
  • Stratton-Lake, P. (toim.): Ethical Intuitionism
  • Griffin J.: Well-being. Its Meaning, Measurement and Moral Importance
  • Hare R. M.: Moral Thinking
  • Herman B.: The Practice of Moral Judgement
  • Hursthouse, R.: On Virtue Ethics
  • Korsgaard C. M.: Creating the Kingdom of Ends
  • Levinas E.: Totalité et infini (on engl.)
  • Parfit, D.: Reasons and Persons
  • Ricoeur P.: Oneself as Another
  • Ross W. D.: The Right and the Good
  • Scanlon T.: What We Owe to Each Other
  • Scheffler S.: Human Morality
  • Crisp R. & Slote M. (toim.): Virtue Ethics.
  • Williams, B.: Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Rationality, Ethics and the History of Philosophy: Seminar on Alasdair MacIntyre

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Visiting professor, Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein, Assistant teacher, Dr. Juhana Lemetti

Time, location and registration

05.05.2008 - 09.05.2008

Periodically in May 5-9, from 9.15 to 15 with one-hour lunch break in S20A sh 244.

Registration time in webOodi 10.03.2008 - 05.05.2008

Content

Course Summary:

This course is a five-day intensive seminar on the work of Alasdair MacIntyre. We will focus on his most influential books – After Virtue, Whose Justice? Which Rationality?, and Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry – to evaluate the place of history in ethics, the role of the virtues in moral adjudication, and the nature of rationality. We will ask, as he does in the beginning of After Virtue, “Was twentieth-century ethics in a crisis?”, and then examine his answer and his solutions. We will examine his assertions that human rationality is more fluid in nature than is usually acknowledged, that moral claims are only possible within the confines of a tradition, and that even modes of academic presentation are bound-up in the presumptions of a philosopher's school of thought.

In addition to the ethical questions, this seminar will give us the opportunity to examine the way that the history of philosophy is thought about and taught. Is there an over-arching narrative to the progression of philosophy, and if so, are there more than one? Can one focus, as MacIntyre does, on the “broad strokes,” or is most philosophical work the product of detailed textual analysis as is usually supposed? Finally, is modern liberalism bankrupt, as MacIntyre seems to suggest, or is he simply postulating a different version of the same pluralisms.

Reading and Topic Schedule (please read pages by the date listed):

Students will be expected to have read Chapters 1-6 of After Virtue beforehand (Note that the text is available also in Finnish). They are also strongly suggested to familiarise themselves with MacIntyre's A Short History of Ethics.

Monday: Read: After Virtue, pp. 1 – 78.

Topics:

  • The history of ethics and where we are now.
  • MacIntyre’s crisis and his proposed solution.
  • The nature of the enlightenment.

Tuesday: Read: After Virtue, pp. 79 - 203.

Topics:

  • The enlightenment project continued.
  • Individuals and community now and in Classical Athens.

Wednesday: Read: After Virtue, pp. 204 – end.

Topics:

  • The virtues.
  • Tradition and narrative.
  • Philosophy as indictment.

Thursday: Read: Whose Justice? Which Rationality?, pp. 1 – 11, 164 – 182, 326 – end.

Topics:

  • The nature of rationality.
  • Traditions and their boundaries.
  • Due: Topics for seminar papers (optional).

Friday: Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry, pp. 1 – 57, 170 – end

Topics:

  • The nature of inquiry and presentation.
  • The concept of objective and discrete knowledge.
  • Academic and conversation.

Course work and forms of study

A note to students:

This is an intensive class, and we are reading an extraordinary amount of material, in English, in a very short period of time. Students must be committed to the project. You will be expected to come to class with specific questions to foster discussion, and to participate actively throughout the day. Given that the reading load is so heavy, it is best to plan on having no time for other academic endeavors the week of the seminar. You will be focused only on course assignments.

Daily Assignment:

Each day, students are expected to come prepared with four written questions, two of which are textual in nature and two of which address themes of interest or confusion. The goal of these questions is to highlight interesting ideas that are worth spending time on, as well as to inspire discussion in the seminar. My hope is that students will engage with one another vigorously.

Required books:

  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. After Virtue, second edition. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1984.
  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. Whose Justice? Which Rationality? Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press. 1988.
  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry. Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame Press, 1990.
  • (Strongly recommended): MacIntyre, Alasdair. A Short History of Ethics. New York: Macmillan, 1966, or the second edition published by University of Notre Dame Press, 1998.

Recommended secondary sources:

  • Horton, John and Mendus, Susan (eds.). After MacIntyre. Oxford: Polity Press, 1995.
  • Murphy, Mark C. Alasdair MacIntyre (Contemporary Philosophy in Focus). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
  • Weinstein, Jack Russell. On Alasdair MacIntyre. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2003.

For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the assistant teacher, Dr Juhana Lemetti, juhana.lemetti@helsinki.fi

Study unit Kf330b) Meta Ethics

In Finnish: Kf330 b) Metaetiikka/71032

b) Meta Ethics

Literature

  • Brink D.: Moral Realism and the Foundations of Ethics
  • Dancy J.: Moral Reasons
  • Dennett D.: Elbow Room: Varieties of Free Will Worth Wanting
  • Sayre-McCord G. (ed.): Essays on Moral Realism
  • Cullity G. & Gaut B. (ed.): Ethics and Practical Reason
  • Gibbard A.: Wise Choices, Apt Feelings
  • Gibbard, A.: Thinking how to Live
  • Mackie J. L.: Ethics, Inventing Right and Wrong
  • Shafer-Landau, R.: Moral Realism
  • Timmons, M.: Morality without Foundations
  • Wallace R. J.: Responsibility and Moral Sentiments
  • Wiggins D.: Needs, Values, Truth
  • von Wright G. H.: The Varieties of Goodness

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf330c) Applied Ethics

In Finnish: Kf330 c) Soveltava etiikka/71029

c) Applied Ethics

Literature

  • Airaksinen T.: 'Mitä on käytännöllinen etiikka' (Ajatus 40, 1983, s. 87-99)
  • Airaksinen T. (toim.): Ammattien ja ansaitsemisen etiikka
  • Attfield R.: The Ethics of Environmental Concern
  • Bell, R.: Understanding African Philosophy
  • Dyson A. & Harris J. (toim.): Ethics and Biotechnology
  • Chadwick R. (toim.): Ethics and the Professions
  • Hargrove E.: Foundations of Environmental Ethics
  • Harris J. & Holm S. (toim.): The Future of Human Reproduction
  • Häyry H.: The Limits of Medical Paternalism
  • Häyry H.: Individual Liberty and Medical Control
  • Häyry M. & Häyry H.: Rakasta, kärsi ja unhoita
  • Häyry M.: Liberal Utilitarianism and Applied Ethics
  • Häyry M.: 'Mitä on soveltava etiikka?'(Ajatus 44, 1987, s. 162-175)
  • Kilpi J.: The Ethics of Bankruptcy
  • Primoratz I.: Ethics and Sex
  • Oksanen M. & Rauhala-Hayes M. (toim.): Ympäristöfilosofia

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Globalisation - Philosophical and Political Perspectives >> 3

Study unit Kf330d) Philosophical Aesthetics and Philosophy of Culture

In Finnish: Kf330 d) Kulttuurifilosofia ja filosofinen estetiikka/71021

d) Philosophical Aesthetics and Philosophy of Culture

Literature

  • Arendt H.: Vita Activa
  • Beardsley M. C.: Aesthetics from Classical Greece to the Present
  • Danto A.: Transfiguration of the Commonplace
  • Barry B.: Culture and Equality: An Egalitarian Critique of Multiculturalism
  • Benhabib S.: The Claims of Culture : Equality and Diversity in the Global Era
  • Benhabib S.: Situating the Self
  • Cassirer E.: An Essay on Man
  • Davies, S.: Musical Works & Performances
  • Frazer E. et al (toim.): Ethics: A Feminist Reader
  • Feminist Interpretations: -sarja (esim. Feminist Interpretations on Plato, on Aristotle, on Kant, on G.W.F. Hegel, on Political Thought)
  • Gatens M: Feminism and Philosophy: Kant to Nietzsche
  • Goodman N.: Languages of Art
  • Häyry M. & Häyry H.: Taide, tunne ja turmelus
  • Habermas J.: The Philosophical Discourse of Modernity
  • Lamarque, P. & Olson, S. H. (toim.): Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art: The Analytic Tradition
  • Lammenranta M. & Haapala A. (toim.): Taide ja filosofia
  • Okin S. M.: Women in Western Political Thought
  • Neill, A. & Ridley, A. (toim.): Arguing about Art (2. painos)
  • Sibley, F.: Approach to Aesthetics (ed. by Benson, Redfern, & Roxbee Cox)
  • Taylor C.: Sources of the Self. The Making of the Modern Identity
  • Taylor C. & Appiah, Habermas, Rockefeller
  • Walzer, Wolf: Multiculturalism
  • Walton, K. L.: Mimesis as Make-Believe

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Collingwood on interpretation: language, history and art

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Dos. Mathieu Marion (Université du Quebec à Montréal/Helsingin yliopisto)

Time, location and registration

12.05.2008 - 23.05.2008

More information will be posted on the website of the department of philosophy: http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/opetus.htm

Organizer: Theoretical Philosophy

Courses in English

Philosophy of Literature: Philosophy in narrative form.

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Visiting professor Dan Lloyd

Time, location and registration

16.01.2008 - 27.02.2008

Period III: The seminar has two groups:

  • Tuesdays 9-12 S20A sr 222
  • Wednesdays 9-12 S20A sr 222

Note! The class will not meet during the week 18.2-22.2.

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 13.01.2008

Content

Can philosophy be expressed and developed through stories? In this seminar, each week we will examine a work of short fiction or a novel excerpt, along with philosophy selections on similar themes. Through close reading of the fiction and the philosophy, we will explore whether stories, especially fictional stories, may be well suited to express certain philosophical ideas. We will also consider whether stories can supplement and even replace philosophical argument with respect to certain philosophical positions.

During the first half of the course, authors to be discussed will include Descartes, Sartre, Beckett, Kharms, Borges, Murakami, and others. The authors for the second half of the course will be decided by student interests. Students with special interests in particular authors are encouraged to contact Dan.Lloyd@trincoll.edu to discuss the course further.

Courses in English

Seminar on Derrida’s Speech and Phenomena

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

MA Irina Poleshchuk

Time, location and registration

28.01.2008 - 28.04.2008

Periods III & IV, Mon 18-20 S20A sr 222, MA Irina Poleshchuk, 28.1.-28.4. For more information, contact irina.poleshchuk@helsinki.fi

Study unit Kf330e) Social Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf330 e) Yhteiskuntafilosofia/71023

e) Social Philosophy

Literature

  • Airaksinen T.: Ethics of Coercion and Authority: A Philosophical Study of Social Life
  • Benn S. I. & Peters R. S.: Social Principles and the Democratic State
  • Binmore K.: Playing Fair
  • Chambers, S. and Kymlicka, W. (toim.): Alternative Conceptions of Civil Society
  • Frazer, E.: The Problems of Communitarian Politics
  • Gauthier D.: Morals by Agreement
  • Gray J.: Beyond the New Right. Markets, Government and the Common Environment
  • Habermas J.: Inclusion of the Other
  • Honneth A.: The Struggle for Recognition
  • Ivison, D.: Postcolonial Liberalism
  • Kekes, J.: A Case for Conservatism
  • Kekes J.: Against Liberalism
  • Nozick R.: Anarchy, State, and Utopia
  • Pettit P.: Republicanism
  • Sandel M.: Liberalism and the Limits of Justice
  • Scanlon T.: What We Owe to Each Other
  • Sen A. & Williams B. (toim.): Utilitarianism and Beyond
  • Walzer M.: Spheres of Justice: A Defence of Pluralism and Equality.
  • Young, I. M.: Inclusion and Democracy

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Human Rights- Philosophy and Institutions

Credits

ECTS credits: 2-6 Credits (study weeks): 1-3

Teachers

Doc. Sirkku Hellsten 299907

Time, location and registration

04.02.2008 - 08.02.2008

Periodically 4.2.-8.2. each day 14-18. Place: Mon, Wed, Thu and Fri S20A sr 303, Tue S20A lr 334d

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 04.02.2008

Content

This course covers the philosophical, theoretical and cultural foundations of human rights as well as wider political and legal international perspectives and different generations of human rights. The lectures critically discuss the liberal theories of human rights and their critics both historically and in the present time. The course examines some of the philosophical foundations of modern notions of rights by looking specifically at the Natural Rights theorists of the seventeenth century. We will discuss various conceptions within this tradition, and examine in more detail what is understood by the notions “State of Nature”, “Natural Law” and “Natural Rights” and "the Social Contract" and their Utilitarian and Marxist critique. We will be assessing the validity of various philosophical and cultural justifications for and critique of human rights. We will also question how the philosophical, political and cultural disputes over the origins of human rights are related to the current issues of global justice. In relation to this Asian, African and Islamic critiques of and approaches to human rights will be explored as well as the rights of key groups of minorities, women and children. Main international human rights instruments will be also introduced and their prospects and problems discussed.

MODULE SUMMARY:

  • Topic 1 Philosophical foundations of Human Rights
  • Topic 2 Utilitarian critique of human rights
  • Topic 3 Marxist critique of human rights
  • Topic 4 Three generations of human rights thinking
  • Topic 5 Cultural relativism and the Asian critique of human rights
  • Topic 6 African foundations for human rights
  • Topic 7 Islamic foundations for human rights
  • Topic 8 The rights of minorities as human rights
  • Topic 9 Women's rights
  • Topic 10 Main human rights institutions

For more information, see the course description on http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/k2008/Hellsten%2dHumanRights.doc

Course work and forms of study

Participation in discussion during the lectures and essay (2500-4500 words).

Courses in English

Lecture course (SY): Rawls, Rights, and Responsibilities

Credits

ECTS credits: 2 Credits (study weeks): 1

Teachers

Visiting professor Rex Martin (University of Kansas)

Time, location and registration

07.042008 - 28.04.2008

Period IV, April 7-28, Mon 16-18 in Main Building, lecture room 10.

Organizer: Research Collequium

Enrol: http://oodi-www.it.helsinki.fi/hy/opettaptied.jsp?html=1&Tunniste=107544&AlkPvm=07.04.2008&Kieli=e

Content

John Rawls (1921–2002), a highly influential Harvard philosopher, updated the traditional doctrine of social contract in his A Theory of Justice (1971) and paved the way for further political thought in the contexts of liberal democratic societies as well as internationally. The lectures on Rawls, Rights, and Responsibilities provide perspectives inspired both by Rawls’s inheritance and the socio-political challenges of the early 21st century. Professor Rex Martin from the University of Kansas, a distinguished author on Rawls and contemporary political ethics, opens up with a presentation entitled Rawls’s Idea of Human Rights Revisited. Subsequent lectures by Juha Sihvola and Heikki Patomäki from the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies as well as Kristina Rolin and Jukka Mäkinen (joint lecture) from the Helsinki School of Economics discuss themes ranging from respect and religion to property rights and business ethics. Ville Päivänsalo (Dept. of Systematic Theology) and Kari Saastamoinen (Renvall Institute) continue on responsibilities and the theme of the lectures in general.

The lectures are co-organized by the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (contacts: maria.soukkio@helsinki.fi) and the Department of Systematic Theology, University of Helsinki (contacts: ville.paivansalo@helsinki.fi). See the full program of the lectures: http://www.helsinki.fi/teol/steol/opiskelu/Rawls,_Rights,_Resp_program_HY1%5B1%5D.pdf

Course work and forms of study

The students of the Department of Social and Moral Philosophy can earn 2 study points by writing an essay based on the lectures and two books (or substantial parts of the books). One of the books should be written by Rawls and the other by Martha Nussbaum or any of the lecturers of the course. The essay can be written in English or Finnish. Please contact Ville Päivänsalo for further guidelines as well as for the information on separate Seminar on Rawls at the Helsinki Collegium, seminar room 136, 2–23 April and 7–14 May, Wed, 10-12, program http://www.helsinki.fi/teol/steol/opiskelu/Seminar_on_Rawls_program_HYvari_4%5B1%5D.pdf

Courses in English

Plurality, Pluralism and Democracy

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Docent Kristian Klockars 302133

Time, location and registration

16.01.2008 - 28.02.2008

Period III, Wed 12-14 S20A lr 334d, and Thu 12-14 U40 lr 14, 16.1.-27.2., examination 28.2., second examination 6.3. 12-14 in S20A sr 303. Third examination option in 28.5. 16-19 S20A sud 107 (separate enrolment).

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 21.02.2008

Content

The course is intended for students in political philosophy and related subjects on an intermediate and advanced level. The course consists of lectures, readings of related texts, discussions and a final essay on an agreed upon subject.

For more information, see: http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/k2008/Klockars.htm

Study unit Kf330f) History of Social and Moral Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf330 f) Käytännöllisen filosofian historia/71022

f) History of Social and Moral Philosophy

Literature as agreed with the supervisor. For example, see the books mentioned in Study unit Kf320 or e.g.

  • Schneewind J B: The Invention of Autonomy (4 credits)

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Rationality, Ethics and the History of Philosophy: Seminar on Alasdair MacIntyre

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Visiting professor, Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein, Assistant teacher, Dr. Juhana Lemetti

Time, location and registration

05.05.2008 - 09.05.2008

Periodically in May 5-9, from 9.15 to 15 with one-hour lunch break in S20A sh 244.

Registration time in webOodi 10.03.2008 - 05.05.2008

Content

Course Summary:

This course is a five-day intensive seminar on the work of Alasdair MacIntyre. We will focus on his most influential books – After Virtue, Whose Justice? Which Rationality?, and Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry – to evaluate the place of history in ethics, the role of the virtues in moral adjudication, and the nature of rationality. We will ask, as he does in the beginning of After Virtue, “Was twentieth-century ethics in a crisis?”, and then examine his answer and his solutions. We will examine his assertions that human rationality is more fluid in nature than is usually acknowledged, that moral claims are only possible within the confines of a tradition, and that even modes of academic presentation are bound-up in the presumptions of a philosopher's school of thought.

In addition to the ethical questions, this seminar will give us the opportunity to examine the way that the history of philosophy is thought about and taught. Is there an over-arching narrative to the progression of philosophy, and if so, are there more than one? Can one focus, as MacIntyre does, on the “broad strokes,” or is most philosophical work the product of detailed textual analysis as is usually supposed? Finally, is modern liberalism bankrupt, as MacIntyre seems to suggest, or is he simply postulating a different version of the same pluralisms.

Reading and Topic Schedule (please read pages by the date listed):

Students will be expected to have read Chapters 1-6 of After Virtue beforehand (Note that the text is available also in Finnish). They are also strongly suggested to familiarise themselves with MacIntyre's A Short History of Ethics.

Monday: Read: After Virtue, pp. 1 – 78.

Topics:

  • The history of ethics and where we are now.
  • MacIntyre’s crisis and his proposed solution.
  • The nature of the enlightenment.

Tuesday: Read: After Virtue, pp. 79 - 203.

Topics:

  • The enlightenment project continued.
  • Individuals and community now and in Classical Athens.

Wednesday: Read: After Virtue, pp. 204 – end.

Topics:

  • The virtues.
  • Tradition and narrative.
  • Philosophy as indictment.

Thursday: Read: Whose Justice? Which Rationality?, pp. 1 – 11, 164 – 182, 326 – end.

Topics:

  • The nature of rationality.
  • Traditions and their boundaries.
  • Due: Topics for seminar papers (optional).

Friday: Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry, pp. 1 – 57, 170 – end

Topics:

  • The nature of inquiry and presentation.
  • The concept of objective and discrete knowledge.
  • Academic and conversation.

Course work and forms of study

A note to students:

This is an intensive class, and we are reading an extraordinary amount of material, in English, in a very short period of time. Students must be committed to the project. You will be expected to come to class with specific questions to foster discussion, and to participate actively throughout the day. Given that the reading load is so heavy, it is best to plan on having no time for other academic endeavors the week of the seminar. You will be focused only on course assignments.

Daily Assignment:

Each day, students are expected to come prepared with four written questions, two of which are textual in nature and two of which address themes of interest or confusion. The goal of these questions is to highlight interesting ideas that are worth spending time on, as well as to inspire discussion in the seminar. My hope is that students will engage with one another vigorously.

Required books:

  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. After Virtue, second edition. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1984.
  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. Whose Justice? Which Rationality? Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press. 1988.
  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry. Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame Press, 1990.
  • (Strongly recommended): MacIntyre, Alasdair. A Short History of Ethics. New York: Macmillan, 1966, or the second edition published by University of Notre Dame Press, 1998.

Recommended secondary sources:

  • Horton, John and Mendus, Susan (eds.). After MacIntyre. Oxford: Polity Press, 1995.
  • Murphy, Mark C. Alasdair MacIntyre (Contemporary Philosophy in Focus). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
  • Weinstein, Jack Russell. On Alasdair MacIntyre. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2003.

For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the assistant teacher, Dr Juhana Lemetti, juhana.lemetti@helsinki.fi

Study unit Kf330g) Philosophy of History and the Study of Ideas

In Finnish: Kf330 g) Historian filosofia ja aatetutkimus/71024

g) Philosophy of History and the Study of Ideas

Literature

  • Collingwood R. G.: The Idea of History
  • Foucault M.: Seksuaalisuuden historia
  • Knuuttila S.: Järjen ja tunteen kerrostumat
  • Lovejoy A. O.: The Great Chain of Being
  • Rorty R, Schneewind J. B. & Skinner Q. (toim.): Philosophy in History
  • Schneewind J. B.: The Invention of Autonomy: A History of Modern Moral Philosophy
  • Skinner Q.: The Foundations of Modern Political Thought (I-II)
  • Gardiner P. (toim.): Theories of History

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf330h) Philosophy of Law

In Finnish: Kf330 h) Oikeusfilosofia/71025

h) Philosophy of Law

Literature

  • Bayles M.: Principles of Law
  • Coleman J.: Risks and Wrongs
  • Douzinas C.: Postmodern Jurisprudence
  • Dworkin R.: Law's Empire
  • Dworkin R.: Taking Rights Seriously
  • Feinberg J.: The Moral Limits of Criminal Law, I-IV
  • Tontti J., Mäkelä K. & Gylling H. (toim.): Filosofien oikeus I
  • Tontti J. & Mäkelä K. (toim.): Filosofien oikeus II
  • Habermas J.: Between Facts and Norms
  • Hart H.L. A.: The Concept of Law
  • Kelsen H.: Puhdas oikeusoppi
  • Minkkinen P.: Thinking without Desire. A First Philosophy of Law
  • Hirvonen A. (toim.): Polycentricity - The Multiple Scenes of Law
  • Raz J.: The Concept of a Legal System
  • Duff A. & Garland D. (toim.): A Reader on Punishment
  • Stone J.: Human Law and Human Justice
  • Tebbitt, M.: Philosophy of Law (Routledge, 2000)

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf330i) Philosophy and Pedagogics

In Finnish: Kf330 i) Filosofia ja pedagogiikka/71007

i) Philosophy and Pedagogics

Literature

  • Cahn S. M.: Classic and Contemporary Readings in the Philosophy of Education
  • Callan E.: Creating Citizens
  • Kotkavirta J. (toim): Filosofia koulunpenkillä: kirjoituksia oppiaineen didaktiikasta
  • Gutek G. L.: History of the Western Educational Experience
  • Huttunen R.: Opettamisen filosofia ja kritiikki
  • Locke J.: Muutamia mietteitä kasvatuksesta
  • McClellan J.: Philosophy of Education
  • Airaksinen T. & Kaalikoski K. (toim.): Opin filosofiaa: filosofian opit
  • Oksenberg Rorty A. (toim.): Philosophers on Education: Historical Perspectives

Platon sopimuksen mukaan:

  • Platon: Valtio
  • Platon: Lait
  • Platon: Menon

.

  • Rousseau J-J.: Émile eli kasvatuksesta
  • Siegel H.: Educating Reason: Rationality, Critical Thinking and Education
  • Siitonen A.: Ajattelu ja argumentointi
  • Siljander P. (toim.): Kasvatus ja sivistys
  • Synthese, vol 51/1: (An International Journal for Epistemology, Methodology and Philosophy of Science): Questions in the Philosophy of Education

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Philosophy of Education

Credits

ECTS credits: 2 Credits (study weeks): 1

Teachers

Visiting prof. Imelda Chlodna (The John Paul II Catholic Univeristy of Lublin)

Time, location and registration

14.01.2008 - 18.01.2008

Each day Mon-Fri 14-16, place: Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri S20A sr 244; Thu S20A sr 303

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 14.01.2008

Content

Course Description:

1. Introduction to the Models of Education

  • Definition of Education
  • Outline of the History of Education: Antiquity, Sophists, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Artes Liberales

2. Humanism – Enlightenment – Encyclopaedism

  • Definition of Humanism
  • Humanistic Pedagogy
  • Utilitarian Conception of Science
  • Reformation
  • Education in the Time of Social and Economic Transformations – XVIIth and XVIIIth Century
  • Vocationalism
  • Encyclopaedism

3. Philosophy of Enlightenment and its Opponents

  • New Conception of Science, Morality and Politics in XVIIth Century
  • J. Locke about the Education
  • Th. Hobbes
  • J. J. Rousseau about the Education
  • H. D. Thoreau

4. Naturalism and Education

  • J. Dewey and Progressivism
  • W. James and Pragmatism

5. Contemporary American Models of Education

  • Liberal Education and its Assumptions
  • Originators of the “Great Books” Program
  • Home Schooling

Course work and forms of study

Bibliography:

  • Adler M. J., A Second Look in the Rearview Mirror: Further Autobiographical Reflections of a Philosopher at Large, New York 1992.
  • Adler M. J., Reforming Education. The Opening of the American Mind, New York-London 1988.
  • Aristotle, Metaphysics, Oxford University Press 2000.
  • Bloom A., The Closing of the American Mind. How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students, New York 1987.
  • Dewey J., Democracy and Education, Washington 1938.
  • Dewey J., Experience and Nature, Chicago-London 1925.
  • Dewey J., My Pedagogic Creed, Washington 1929.
  • Gallagher D. and I. (ed.), The Education of Man. The Educational Philosophy of Jacques Maritain, New York 1962.
  • Halsey A., Lauder H., Brown P., Wells A. (eds), Education: culture, economy, society, Oxford University Press 1997.
  • Jaroszynski P., Science in Culture, Amsterdam-New York 2007.
  • Locke J., A Letter on Toleration, Oxford 1968.
  • Locke J., Essay Concerning Human Understanding, London-New York 1997.
  • Locke J., Some Thoughts Concerning Education, New York 1989.
  • Nash P., Models of Man. Explorations in the Western Educational Tradition, New York-London-Sydney 1968.
  • Plato, The Republic, Oxford University Press 1998.
  • Rousseau J. J., Confessions, Oxford University Press 2000.
  • Rousseau J. J., Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, Oxford University Press 1999.
  • Rousseau J. J., Emile, New York 2003.
  • St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Ave Maria Press 1989.
  • Wynne J. P., Theories of Education: An Introduction to the Foundations of Education, New York 1963.

Course evaluation anddevelopment

Active participation in the course + an essay on the theme, for example on the classics mentioned in the Bibliography (4-5 pages = 1 credit, 7-8 pages = 2 credits, 10-12 pages = 3 credits)

Study unit Kf330j) Philosophy of Science

In Finnish: Kf330 j) Tieteenfilosofia/71026

j) Philosophy of Science

Literature

  • Sintonen, M. (ed.): Biologian filosofian näkökulmia
  • Hempel C. G.: Aspects of Scientific Explanation
  • Hacking, I.: Representing and Intervening
  • Humphreys P.: The Chances of Explanation
  • Kitcher P.: The Advancement of Science
  • Mayo D.: Error and the Growth of Experimental Knowledge
  • Nagel E.: The Structure of Science
  • Horwich P. (ed.): World Changes

and

  • Kuhn T: The Essential Tension.
  • Salmon, W.C.: Four Decades of Scientific Explanation
  • Salmon, W.: Causality and Explanation
  • Sterelny, K. and Griffiths, P.E.: Sex and Death: An Introduction to Philosophy of Biology
  • Stegmüller W.: Structure and Dynamics of Theories
  • Suppe F.: The Semantic Conception of Theories and Scientific Realism
  • Ruben D-H.: Explaining Explanation
  • Van Fraassen B.: The Scientific Image
  • Ruse, M. (ed.): What the Philosophy of Biology is: Essays dedicated to David Hull
  • Tuomela R.: Science, Action and Reality

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Philosophy of Science (POS) Seminar >> 1 3

Study unit Kf330k) Science and Technology Studies

In Finnish: Kf330 k) Tieteentutkimus/71009

k) Science and Technology Studies

Literature

Literature as agreed with the supervisor. For example, see the separate handout “Science and technology studies” available at the Department office or in the web-page: http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/kfil/tiettut.htm

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Changing Dynamics of Science and Technology - Finland in a Global Perspective >> 1 2
  • Fysiikan filosofia 4 5
  • Knowledge Value Collectives, Evidence and Implications for Science and Technology Policy >> 5
  • Perspectives on Finnish Science and Technology Studies >> 3 4
  • Philosophy of Science (POS) Seminar >> 1 3
  • Rationalitet och exakhet i matematikens filosofi och historia – praktikum >> 1 2
  • Torus-verkkokurssi: Sukupuoli, tiede ja teknologia >> 1
  • Torus-verkkokurssi: Teknologia ja yhteiskunnan muutos - teknologian historian johdantokurssi >> 1
  • Torus-verkkokurssi: Tieteen ja epätieteen rajoista >> 1
  • Trends and tensions in intellectual integration (TINT) >> 1 3
Courses in English

Explaining and understanding

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 3-5 Credits (study weeks): 2-3

Teachers

Tutkija Antti Saaristo

Time, location and registration

01.11.2005 - 13.12.2005

Tue and Thu 16-18 U40 room 15

Courses in English

Interdisciplinary encounters

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: as agreed

Teachers

prof. Uskali Mäki

Time, location and registration

Period III or IV, dates and place TBA

Content

Seminar in four sessions Interdisciplinary Encounters is a seminar that deals with a set of major current developments in the social sciences, namely the intensified crossings of disciplinary boundaries. These take place in two directions. Horizontally, there are interactions between social sciences such as economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, and law. These interactions are often rather contested, such as in the case of ‘economics imperialism’, the increasing use of economics-style rational choice explanations in other social sciences. Vertically, social sciences increasingly seek guidance and insight from cognitive and life sciences, such as experimental psychology, neurobiology and evolutionary theory. Major debates accompany these developments as well.

These developments and debates provide juicy raw materials for philosophical scrutiny, and they also call for analyses from the point of view of social studies of science. Such analyses are likely to be of help in organising interdisciplinary practice and debate in the social and other sciences. They deal with issues of relations between disciplines, theories, and explanations such as: whether, how and on what grounds scientists are advised to pay attention to what happens in neighbouring disciplines; how, by way of what kinds of mechanisms, ideas are transferred across disciplinary boundaries; whether one theory or discipline is powerful enough to provide explanations that unify the phenomena and the fields that study them; or whether there is a case for pluralism and complementary coexistence among the theories.

Such issues and others will be discussed in four sessions, based on representative readings. The seminar, to be continued next year, is connected to the recently launched Academy of Finland project TINT (www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/tint). It thus also serves to explore possibilities of collaboration with participants. Please contact the instructor so as to let him know that you plan to participate.

Study unit Kf330l) Philosophy of the Social Sciences

In Finnish: Kf330 l) Yhteiskuntatieteiden filosofia/71027

l) Philosophy of the Social Sciences

Literature

  • Turner, S. ja Roth, A. (toim.): The Blackwell Guide to the Philosophy of the Social Sciences
  • Elster J.: Logic and Society
  • Elster J. & Hylland A. (toim.): Foundations of Social Choice Theory
  • Elster, J. (toim.): Rational Choice
  • Greenwood J. (toim.): The Future of Folk Psychology
  • Gilbert, M.: Living Together, Rationality, Sociality, and Obligation
  • Koepsell, D. ja Moss, L. (toim.): John Searle’s Ideas about Social Reality: Extensions, Criticisms and Reconstructions
  • Martin M. & McIntyre L. (toim.): Readings in the Philosophy of Social Science
  • Ruben D-H.: The Metaphysics of the Social World
  • Searle, J.: Rationality in Action
  • Searle, J.: Rediscovery of the Mind
  • Tuomela R.: The Importance of Us
  • Tuomela R.: The Philosophy of Social Practices: A Collective Acceptance View
  • Ullmann-Margalit E.: The Emergence of Norms

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Seminar on Cooperation and its Evolution

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 3-5 Credits (study weeks): 2-3

Teachers

Prof. Raimo Tuomela 302040

Time, location and registration

05.09.2007 - 17.10.2007

Period I, Wed 14-18 S20A kok 244

Registration time in webOodi 1.9.2007 - 17.10.2007

Content

In this seminar the cooperation will be analyzed discussed in various contexts, especially in the case of collective action dilemmas and group contexts. The seminar starts by a presentation of philosophical and conceptual accounts of cooperation. Thus, I will present my own account of cooperation (see Tuomela: The Philosophy of Sociality: The Shared Point of View, Oxford University Press, 2007). The seminar participants are expected to participate by presenting the philosophical accounts by Bratman, McMahon, Searle, and Heath. Also game-theoretical views will be covered (by means of the recent textbook by Hargreaves Heap and Varoufakis or other works, depending on the participants’ interests and level of knowledge). The evolutionary aspects will concentrate on the cultural evolution of cooperation, especially the account by Richerson and Boyd.

The seminar will meet on Wednesdays at 14.15-17.30 in Siltavuorenpenger 20 A, room 244. The first session will be on Wednesday 5.9. and the last one on 19.10. Passing the seminar requires writing an acceptable term paper.

Courses in English

Seminar on Reason Explanation - CANCELLED

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

prof. Raimo Tuomela 302040

Time, location and registration

The course is cancelled.

Courses in English

Seminar on Social Institutions

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

prof. Raimo Tuomela 302040

Time, location and registration

12.03.2008 - 23.04.2008

Period IV, Wed 14-18 S20R meeting room 435, note! no meeting on March 26.

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 20.04.2008

Content

SEMINAR ON SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS (March 12 – April 23, 2008), Wednesdays 14-18 h.)

A central part of the social world is an artifact, viz. a product of collective human activities, and is thus institutional in a broad sense. What does this involve from a conceptual and metaphysical point of view? In this seminar I will give some lectures in which this question will be answered in a terms of an account based on collective acceptance. The main focus will be on social institutions. I will also discuss Searle’s by now famous account of social institutions. The rest of the seminar will consist of the participants’ presentations of recent papers by other philosophers on the topic of the seminar.

Recommended literature:

  • Koepsell, D. and Moss, L., 2003, John Searle’s Ideas about Social Reality, Blackwell
  • Searle, J., 1995, The Construction of Social Reality, The Penguin Press
  • Searle, J., 2005, ‘What is An Institution?’, Journal of Institutional Economics 1, 1-22
  • Tuomela, R., 2002, The Philosophy of Social Practices: A Collective Acceptance View, Cambridge University Press
  • Tuomela, R., 2007, The Philosophy of Sociality: The Shared Point of View, Oxford University Press

Study unit Kf330m) Advanced Studies in Formal Methods and Their Foundations in the Social Sciences

In Finnish: Kf330 m) Yhteiskuntatieteiden formaalit menetelmät ja niiden perusteet/71028

m) Formal Methods and their Foundations in the Social Sciences

Literature

  • Hilpinen R. (toim.): Deontic Logic
  • Elster J.: Ulysses and the Sirens
  • Harsanyi J.: Essays on Ethics, Social Behavior and Scientific Explanation
  • Kreps D.: Game Theory and Economic Modeling
  • Bicchieri C. et al (toim.): The Logic of Strategy
  • Sen A.: Collective Choice and Social Welfare
  • Skyrms B.: The Dynamics of Rational Deliberation
  • Hargreaves Heap S. et al (toim): The Theory of Choice: A Critical Guide
  • Tuomela R. (toim.): Yhteiskuntatieteiden eksakti metodologia

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf340 Advanced Seminars and Preparatory Essay for Master’s Degree

In Finnish: Kf340 Seminaarit, 5+5 op/3+3 ov/71401

Kf340 Advanced Seminars and Preparatory Essay for Master’s Degree

Credits: 5 - 5 , Credit Units: 3 - 3

Unit description:

The aim of the seminar is to familiarize the student with the practises of scientific discussion and philosophical writing. The work undertaken in advanced seminars is intended to support the writing of the Master's thesis. Mode of assessment:

Active participation in seminar work during two terms. Each student writes two seminar essays (both approx. 15 pages) and twice acts as an opponent. Preregistration forms are found outside the office of the department. Prerequisite:

Study unit Kf310.

Courses in English

Advanced Seminar in Social and Moral Philosophy, Autumn term

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 5 Credits (study weeks): 3

Teachers

University Lecturer Heta Gylling 298063

Time, location and registration

11.09.2007 - 11.12.2007
  • Seminar in English for advanced and post-graduate social and moral philosophy students.
  • First meeting Tuesday September 11 4 pm S20A sr 222, then Tuesdays 16-20 S20A sr 222 beginning October 30., university lecturer Heta Gylling.
  • Preregistration by September 4 to the Department office or tuula.pietila@helsinki.fi, see the form: http://alma.helsinki.fi/doclink/72363

Prerequisites

Intermediate studies

Target group/Course level

English speaking students in advanced or post-graduate level of philosophy.

Content

The aim of the seminar is to familiarize the student with the practices of scientific discussion and philosophical writing. The work undertaken in advanced seminars is intended to support the writing of the Master’s thesis or dissertation.

Course work and forms of study

Active participation in seminar work during the term. Each student writes a seminar essay (5000 -6000 words) and acts as an opponent.

Courses in English

Advanced Seminar in Social and Moral Philosophy, Spring term

Credits

ECTS credits: 5 Credits (study weeks): 3

Teachers

University Lecturer Heta Gylling 298063

Time, location and registration

15.01.2008 - 20.04.2008

Seminar in English for advanced and post-graduate Social and moral philosophy students, first meeting Tuesday January 15 4 pm S20A sr 222, then Tuesdays 16-20 S20A sr 222 March 11 - April 8 (no meeting on March 25) .

Registration time in webOodi 07.12.2007 - 08.01.2008

Content

The aim of the seminar is to familiarize the student with the practices of scientific discussion and philosophical writing. The work undertaken in advanced seminars is intended to support the writing of the Master’s thesis / the dissertation (in post-graduate seminar).

Time-table:

  • March 11: Janne Hukka and Nina Lehtola
  • March 3: Mikko Martela and Saara Reiman
  • April 1: Charles Sona and Säde Hormio
  • April 8: Daniel Weyermann and Johan Autio
  • April 15: Johanna Talvela

Course work and forms of study

Active participation in seminar work during the term. Each student writes a seminar essay (5000 -6000 words) and acts as an opponent.

Study unit Kf350 Practical Training

In Finnish: Kf350 Työelämäorientaatio tai työharjoittelu, 5 op/3 ov/71409

Kf350 Practical Training

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 3

Unit description:

Students majoring in philosophy include practical training in their advanced studies. The Department provides information on training places at public offices, research institutes, etc. Information on vacant training places is available at the Department in the beginning of the Spring term. If a student has found a training place on her own, it can also be included in the advanced studies. For more information, contact the Foreign Students´ Adviser.

Mode of assessment:

A training period of at least 3 months in a position agreed upon in advance with the Foreign Students' Adviser and a written report on the training.

Superordinate Units

Study unit Kf360 Master’sThesis

In Finnish: Kf360 Pro gradu –tutkielma, 40 op/20 ov/gradu

Kf360 Master’sThesis

Credits: 40 , Credit Units: 20

Unit description:

The aim of the Master's thesis is to train students in independent research, methods of philosophy, argumentation, the use of source material and scientific writing. Mode of assessment:

Writing of the Master's thesis is mainly independent work supported by advanced seminars and study groups. The topic of the thesis and the working plan should be discussed with the supervisor preferably before the advanced seminars. During the writing of the thesis students should also regularly consult the professor or other thesis supervisor. Prerequisite:

Study unit Kf340.

Superordinate Units

Study unit Social and Moral Philosophy as a Minor Subject

In Finnish: Käytännöllinen filosofia sivuaineena/sivuaineena

Social and Moral Philosophy as a Minor Subject

All students enrolled at the University of Helsinki have the right to complete the Basic and Intermediate studies in Philosophy, no registration is necessary. Some of the study units in Basic and Intermediate studies in Philosophy are voluntary when Philosophy is taken as a Minor Subject. For more information, consult the Foreign Students' Adviser.

Subordinate units

Study unit Basic Studies (as a Minor Subject)

In Finnish: Perusopinnot sivuaineopiskelijoille, 25 op/15 ov/sivuperus

Basic Studies

Credits: 25 , Credit Units: 15

Superordinate Units

Subordinate units

Study unit Intermediate Studies (as a Minor Subject)

In Finnish: Aineopinnot sivuaineopiskelijoille, 35 op/sivuaineop

Intermediate Studies

Credits: 35 ,

Study unit Philosophy of Values and World Views

In Finnish: Elämänkatsomustieto (ET)/ekt

Philosophy of Values and World Views

Subordinate units

Study unit Basic Studies in Philosophy of Values and World View

In Finnish: Elämänkatsomustiedon perusopinnot/etperus

Superordinate Units

Subordinate units

Study unit

In Finnish: Luokanopettajan monialaisten opintojen ET-peruskurssi, 3 op (Soveltavan kasvatustieteen laitos)/etper

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 2

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Luokanopettajan monialaisten opintojen ET-peruskurss >> 1

Study unit Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

In Finnish: Johdatus tieteenfilosofiaan (Tämän jakson suorittavat vain ne opiskelijat, jotka ovat jo suorittaneen ET-peruskurssin monialaisissa opinnoissaan.), 3 op (Teoreettinen filosofia)/etjtf

Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 2

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Johdatus tieteenfilosofiaan >> 2

Study unit Philosophical och historical introduction to scientific world view

In Finnish: Filosofis-historiallinen johdatus tieteelliseen maailmankuvaan, 4 op (Teoreettinen filosofia)/etfh

Filosofis-historiallinen johdatus tieteelliseen maailmankuvaan

Credits: 4 , Credit Units: 2

Study unit Uskontotieteen perusteet, 4 op Uskontotieteen laitos

In Finnish: Uskontotieteen perusteet, 4 op (Uskontotieteen laitos)/etusper

Uskontotieteen perusteet, 4 op Uskontotieteen laitos

Credits: 4 , Credit Units: 2

Study unit Philosophy of values and world views: introduction to anthropology

In Finnish: Antropologian perusteet, 5 op (Sosiologian laitos/ Sosiaali- ja kulttuuriantropologia)/etantper

Philosophy of values and world views: introduction to anthropology

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 3

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology >> 3 4
  • Sosiaali- ja kulttuuriantropologian johdantokurssi >> 1 2

Study unit Subject Studies in Philosophy of Values and World Views

In Finnish: Elämänkatsomustiedon aineopinnot/etaine

Subject Studies in Philosophy of Values and World Views

Credits: 35 ,

Superordinate Units

Subordinate units

Study unit Uskonnot maailmassa, 6 op Uskontotieteen laitReligionerna i världen, 6 sp os

In Finnish: Uskonnot maailmassa, 6 op (Uskontotieteen laitos)/etusmaa

Uskonnot maailmassa, 6 op Uskontotieteen laitos

Credits: 6 , Credit Units: 3

Study unit Philosophy of values and world views: Central Themes of Anthropological Research

In Finnish: Antropologian keskeiset suuntaukset, 7 op (Sosiologian laitos/ Sosiaali- ja kulttuuriantropologia)/etankesk

Philosophy of values and world views: Central Themes of Anthropological Research

Credits: 7 , Credit Units: 4

Literature

Tiedekuntatenttikirjallisuus:

a) Sahlins, M: Tribesmen

b) Evans-Pritchard, E.E: Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic among the Azande

c) Kluckhohn, C: Navaho Witchcraft

d) Malinowski: Argonauts of the Western Pacific

Study unit Uskontoperinteet Suomessa, 3 op Uskontotieteen laitos

In Finnish: Uskontoperinteet Suomessa, 3 op (Uskontotieteen laitos)/etuspersu

Uskontoperinteet Suomessa, 3 op Uskontotieteen laitos

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 2

Study unit Philosophy of values and world views: Anthropological Research Problems

In Finnish: Antropologian tutkimusalakurssi, 7 op (Sosiologian laitos/ Sosiaali- ja kulttuuriantropologia)/etantutalak

Philosophy of values and world views: Anthropological Research Problems

Credits: 7 , Credit Units: 4

Study unit Science and Technology Studies

In Finnish: Tieteen- ja teknologian tutkimus (STS)/sts

Science and Technology Studies

Subordinate units

Study unit Basic Studies

In Finnish: Perusopinnot ( 25 op/15 ov)/stsperus

Basic Studies

Credits: 25 , Credit Units: 15

Superordinate Units

Subordinate units

Study unit Tt110 Critical Thinking, Good Argumentation

In Finnish: Tt110 Hyvä ajattelu ja argumentaatio, 3-5 op/2-3 ov/710012

Tt110 Critical Thinking, Good Argumentation

Credits: 3 - 5 , Credit Units: 2 - 3

Literature

  • Kakkuri-Knuuttila M-L (ed.): Argumentti ja kritiikki (2 cr)
  • Niiniluoto I: Tieteellinen päättely ja selittäminen (not chapter IV; 1 cr)
  • Giere R N: Understanding Scientific Reasoning (not chapter 3 nor 4; 1 cr)
  • Thomson A: Critical Reasoning. A Practical Introduction (2 cr)

Literature examinations

Study unit Social Sciences and Argumentation

In Finnish: Yhteiskuntatieteet ja argumentaatio/70100

Social Sciences and Argumentation

Credits: 3 , Credit Units: 2

Literature

Choose two of the following for 3 credits:

  • Kakkuri-Knuuttila, M-L. (toim): Argumentti ja kritiikki (2 credits)
  • Niiniluoto, I.: Tieteellinen päättely ja selittäminen (not chapter IV; 1 credit)
  • Giere, R.N.: Understanding Scientific Reasoning (not chapter 3 & 4; 1 credit)
  • Thomson, A.: Critical Reasoning. A Practical Introduction (2 credits)

Literature examinations

Courses in English

Scientific Reasoning and Philosophical Argumentation

Credits

ECTS credits: 5 Credits (study weeks): 3

Teachers

Visiting professor Tim De Mey (Erasmus University Rotterdam & Ghent University)

Time, location and registration

21.04.2008 - 29.04.2008

Period IV, lectures April 21-29, on Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri from 12-16 in Unioninkatu 40. Examination May 5 from 12-14 in U40 room 15. Second examination May 15 from 12-14 in U40 room 15, also essays and home work should be submitted by May 15. See the exact place from the daily schedule below.

Registration time in webOodi 01.03.2008 - 22.04.2008

Content

Lecture 1, Monday 21st of April, 12-16, Unioninkatu 40 (U40) room 15 (3rd floor)
A metaphilosophical introduction

In the first lecture, several styles of philosophical argumentation are discussed. Subsequently, the methodological and foundational problems which analytic philosophy faces are identified. It is argued, firstly, that an adequate normative theory of philosophical thought experiments can solve the most pressing methodological and foundational problems and, secondly, that an adequate descriptive theory of scientific thought experiments is a prerequisite to that end.

Lecture 2, Tuesday 22nd of April, 12-16, Unioninkatu 40 room 6 (3 rd floor)
Thought experiments and causal analysis

In this lecture two kinds of thought experiments are distinguished in terms of the roles they play in singular causal analysis, i.e., contrastive and counterfactual thought experiments. After briefly considering the psychology of contrastive and counterfactual reasoning, a methodology is proposed which allows historians and, for that matter, social scientists, to use these kinds of thought experiments to construct and argue for weighed causal explanations.

Lecture 3, Thursday 24th of April, 12-16, U40 room 15
Thought experiments, theory choice and scientific discovery

As Kuhn’s so-called paradox of thought experiments testifies, it is far from obvious that scientific thought experiments can play a role in theory choice. In this lecture, the debate in philosophy of science will be reviewed and two theories will be developed and defended, i.e., (1) the dual nature theory of thought experiments and (2) the incongruity-resolution theory of the evidential significance of thought experiments. As a bonus, the latter also sheds light on the functions thought experiments can fulfill in scientific discovery.

Lecture 4, Friday 25th of April, 12-16, U40 room 15
Thought experiments and conceptual analysis

In analytic philosophy, thought experiments play a pivotal role in conceptual analysis. In this lecture, various examples will be situated, analyzed and assessed. Subsequently, the basic structure of arguments based on thought experiments will be revealed. Finally, the kinds of support there can be for the premises of such arguments, will be discussed.

Lecture 5, Monday 28th of April, 12-16, U40 room 15
The metaphysics and epistemology of modality

In this lecture, the metaphysical and epistemological underpinnings of the abundant use of thought experiments in analytic philosophy, will be discussed. The focus will be on the kinds of access we have to possibilities. Can we and do we have to trust on our modal intuitions? Or can we conceive of conceivability in such a way that it warrants possibility?

Lecture 6, Tuesday 29th of April, 12-16, U40 room 13 (3rd floor)
A metaphilosophical conclusion

In this lecture the normative theory of philosophical thought experiments, required to solve the most pressing methodological and foundational problems which analytical philosophy faces, will be developed and defended.

Study unit Tt120 Introduction to Science and Technology Studies

In Finnish: Tt120 Johdatus tieteen- ja teknologiantutkimukseen, 5 op/3 ov/71015

Tt120 Introduction to Science and Technology Studies

Credits: 5 , Credit Units: 3

Literature examinations

Study unit Tt210 Special Topics in Science and Technology Studies

In Finnish: Tt210 Tieteen- ja teknologiantutkimuksen erityisalat/tt210

Special Topics

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Knowledge Value Collectives >>
  • Knowledge Value Collectives, Evidence and Implications for Science and Technology Policy >> 5
  • Muiden korkeakoulujen TT:n opetus (vaatii Joo-opinto-oikeuden) >> 1 2 3 4 5
  • Perspectives on Finnish Science and Technology Studies >> 3 4

Subordinate units

Study unit Tt210a) Philosophy of Science and Technology

In Finnish: Tt210 a) Tieteen- ja teknologianfilosofia/710015

Tt210 a) Philosophy of Science and Technology

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Fysiikan filosofia 4 5
  • Philosophy of Science (POS) Seminar >> 1 3
  • Rationalitet och exakhet i matematikens filosofi och historia – praktikum >> 1 2
  • Torus-verkkokurssi: Tieteen ja epätieteen rajoista >> 1
  • Trends and tensions in intellectual integration (TINT) >> 1 3
Courses in English

Interdisciplinary encounters

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: as agreed

Teachers

prof. Uskali Mäki

Time, location and registration

Period III or IV, dates and place TBA

Content

Seminar in four sessions Interdisciplinary Encounters is a seminar that deals with a set of major current developments in the social sciences, namely the intensified crossings of disciplinary boundaries. These take place in two directions. Horizontally, there are interactions between social sciences such as economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, and law. These interactions are often rather contested, such as in the case of ‘economics imperialism’, the increasing use of economics-style rational choice explanations in other social sciences. Vertically, social sciences increasingly seek guidance and insight from cognitive and life sciences, such as experimental psychology, neurobiology and evolutionary theory. Major debates accompany these developments as well.

These developments and debates provide juicy raw materials for philosophical scrutiny, and they also call for analyses from the point of view of social studies of science. Such analyses are likely to be of help in organising interdisciplinary practice and debate in the social and other sciences. They deal with issues of relations between disciplines, theories, and explanations such as: whether, how and on what grounds scientists are advised to pay attention to what happens in neighbouring disciplines; how, by way of what kinds of mechanisms, ideas are transferred across disciplinary boundaries; whether one theory or discipline is powerful enough to provide explanations that unify the phenomena and the fields that study them; or whether there is a case for pluralism and complementary coexistence among the theories.

Such issues and others will be discussed in four sessions, based on representative readings. The seminar, to be continued next year, is connected to the recently launched Academy of Finland project TINT (www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/tint). It thus also serves to explore possibilities of collaboration with participants. Please contact the instructor so as to let him know that you plan to participate.

Study unit Tt210b) Ethics in Science

In Finnish: Tt210 b) Tieteen etiikka/710016

Tt210 b) Ethics in Science

Literature examinations

Study unit Tt210c) History of Science and Technology

In Finnish: Tt210 c) Tieteen- ja teknologianhistoria/71017

Tt210 c) History of Science and Technology

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Torus-verkkokurssi: Sukupuoli, tiede ja teknologia >> 1
  • Torus-verkkokurssi: Teknologia ja yhteiskunnan muutos - teknologian historian johdantokurssi >> 1

Study unit Tt210d) Technology and Innovation Studies

In Finnish: Tt210 d) Teknologian- ja innovaatioiden tutkimus/71018

Tt210 d) Technology and Innovation Studies

Study unit Tt210e) Sociology of Science and Technology

In Finnish: Tt210 e) Tieteen- ja teknologiansosiologia/710020

Tt210 e) Sociology of Science and Technology

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

  • Changing Dynamics of Science and Technology - Finland in a Global Perspective >> 1 2
Courses in English

Explaining and understanding

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 3-5 Credits (study weeks): 2-3

Teachers

Tutkija Antti Saaristo

Time, location and registration

01.11.2005 - 13.12.2005

Tue and Thu 16-18 U40 room 15

Study unit Tt210f) Research of Science and Technology Studies

In Finnish: Tt210 f) Tiede- ja teknologiapolitiikan tutkimus/tt210f

Tt210f Research of Science and Technology Studies

Literature examinations

Study unit Intermediate Studies

In Finnish: Aineopinnot/stsaine

Intermediate Studies

Credits: 35 , Credit Units: 21

Superordinate Units

Subordinate units

Study unit Tt220 Proseminarium of Science and Technology Studies

In Finnish: Tt220 Tieteen- ja teknologiantutkimuksen proseminaari 5 op/3 ov/71037

Tt220 Proseminarium of Science and Technology Studies

Credits: 4+1 , Credit Units: 3

Superordinate Units

Study unit Post-graduate Studies

In Finnish: Jatkokoulutus/71080

Post-graduate Studies

At the postgraduate level there are two degrees. The Licentiate degree is the lower postgraduate degree and can be started when the Master's degree is completed. Participation in a postgraduate seminar and an extensive Licentiate thesis are mandatory for this degree. A doctoral degree is the final, highest postgraduate degree. The candidate is required to write a dissertation and defend it in a public examination. Please contact the Foreign Students' Adviser and Department teaching staff during their consultation hours if you would like further information on your studies in philosophy.

A requirement for all postgraduate applicants is:

  • 1) preliminary research plan, and
  • 2) at least the grade good in the Advanced Studies in Philosophy and at least the grade cum laude approbatur (good knowledge) for the Master's thesis or equivalent knowledge (proof must be presented by the student).

The postgraduate studies involve a close study and careful appraisal of various areas in philosophy. Writing the doctoral thesis is mainly independent work supported by seminars and research groups. During completion of the thesis students should regularly consult the professor or other thesis supervisor. When necessary, teaching is organised in co operation with other universities.

Postgraduate Programme in Philosophy the minimum of 60 credits + doctoral dissertation, 180 credits = 240 credits

  • 1) Participation in the postgraduate seminars during three terms, 15 credits.
  • 2) Postgraduate studies in philosophy according to the study plan agreed with the supervisor. It is recommended that the studies include at least a total of 45 credits in philosophy consisting of at least four credits in each of the following groups of topics a c:
  • a) logic, formal methods and their applications, epistemology, ontology, philosophy of science
  • b) ethics, social philosophy, aesthetics
  • c) history of philosophy, modern philosophy, applied philosophy. Other studies relevant to the student's personal study plan are possible - this requires agreement with the supervisor. Postgraduate students wishing to be given credit for attending seminars and colloquia must receive the consent of the supervisor.
  • 3) Postgraduate examination in the topic of the thesis. Excellent knowledge of the relevant literature is required.
  • 4) Licentiate's thesis, not obligatory
  • 5) Doctoral thesis, 180 credits.

Subordinate units

Study unit Kf410 Postgraduate Seminars in Philosophy I-III

In Finnish: Kf410 Jatkokoulutusseminaarit I-III/71081

Kf410 Postgraduate Seminars in Philosophy I-III

Courses in English

Advanced Seminar in Social and Moral Philosophy, Autumn term

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 5 Credits (study weeks): 3

Teachers

University Lecturer Heta Gylling 298063

Time, location and registration

11.09.2007 - 11.12.2007
  • Seminar in English for advanced and post-graduate social and moral philosophy students.
  • First meeting Tuesday September 11 4 pm S20A sr 222, then Tuesdays 16-20 S20A sr 222 beginning October 30., university lecturer Heta Gylling.
  • Preregistration by September 4 to the Department office or tuula.pietila@helsinki.fi, see the form: http://alma.helsinki.fi/doclink/72363

Prerequisites

Intermediate studies

Target group/Course level

English speaking students in advanced or post-graduate level of philosophy.

Content

The aim of the seminar is to familiarize the student with the practices of scientific discussion and philosophical writing. The work undertaken in advanced seminars is intended to support the writing of the Master’s thesis or dissertation.

Course work and forms of study

Active participation in seminar work during the term. Each student writes a seminar essay (5000 -6000 words) and acts as an opponent.

Courses in English

Advanced Seminar in Social and Moral Philosophy, Spring term

Credits

ECTS credits: 5 Credits (study weeks): 3

Teachers

University Lecturer Heta Gylling 298063

Time, location and registration

15.01.2008 - 20.04.2008

Seminar in English for advanced and post-graduate Social and moral philosophy students, first meeting Tuesday January 15 4 pm S20A sr 222, then Tuesdays 16-20 S20A sr 222 March 11 - April 8 (no meeting on March 25) .

Registration time in webOodi 07.12.2007 - 08.01.2008

Content

The aim of the seminar is to familiarize the student with the practices of scientific discussion and philosophical writing. The work undertaken in advanced seminars is intended to support the writing of the Master’s thesis / the dissertation (in post-graduate seminar).

Time-table:

  • March 11: Janne Hukka and Nina Lehtola
  • March 3: Mikko Martela and Saara Reiman
  • April 1: Charles Sona and Säde Hormio
  • April 8: Daniel Weyermann and Johan Autio
  • April 15: Johanna Talvela

Course work and forms of study

Active participation in seminar work during the term. Each student writes a seminar essay (5000 -6000 words) and acts as an opponent.

Study unit Kf420 Postgraduate Examination in Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf420 Jatkotutkintokuulustelu/71082

Postgraduate Examination in Philosophy

Literature examinations

Study unit Kf430 Postgraduate Studies in Social and Moral Philosophy

In Finnish: Kf430 Käytännöllisen filosofian jatko-opintoja ja näitä tukevia muita opintoja/71083

Literature examinations

Superordinate Units

Courses

Courses in English

Death and Punishment

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Catalin Avramescu. Lecturer in the Political Science Department (University of Bucharest); teaches History of Political Ideas and Political Philosophy. Former Fellow of the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Science, Clark Library/Center for 17th and 18th Century Studies (UCLA), Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (University of Edinburgh). Mellon Fellow of Herzog August Bibliothek, Lise Meitner Research Fellow (Institut für Geschichte, Vienna) and Marie Curie Research Fellow (Università degli studi di Ferrara). Latest book: The Cruel Philosopher. A History of Cannibalism (Bucharest 2003; forthcoming at Princeton University Press).

PERSONAL WEBPAGE: web.mac.com/avramescu

Time, location and registration

17.12.2007 - 21.12.2007

Periodically in December 17-21 each day from 10 to 12 and 13 to 15 in Department seminar room S20A sh 222.

Registration time in webOodi 15.11.2007 - 21.12.2007

Target group/Course level

Doctoral and MA students

Content

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a course on selected topics related to ideas and arguments on death and punishment in ethics and political theory in the modern age. These were crucial issues in political and moral debates, in the context of the debates such as those on the extent of legitimate political power.

TEXTS: Most of the works of the authors we discuss are available in the Department's library. Many facsimile texts could be found at Gallica virtual library: www.bnf.fr

SCHEDULE & REQUIREMENTS: The intensive course will span over five days, four hours daily, each divided in two two-hour units. It is open to all students in Philosophy, especially advanced. The texts are generally available in English, though knowledge of French and/or Latin would be an advantage.

Day 1 - December 17: Narratives of Death

1. The Philosophical Literature of Consolation Consolation literature is today considered a minor genre. It used to be, though, a major field of practical philosophy, concerned with the examining and correcting of the reaction of the individual facing death or misfortune. We will first review Classical texts (Seneca, Boethius) and then move to consider Rousseau's Reveries as a modern example of consolation.

2. The Theory of Inquiétude Theories of mind and behaviour of the early modern age identified an affect of unique importance. French moralists named it inquiétude, while English authors preferred to call it uneasiness. In most variants, it was analysed as a background feeling or internal movement, spurred by the presence of death or nothingness. We follow the theory of inquiétude and ennui from Pascal and Locke to the French Enlightenment.

Day 2 - December 18: Rights of Death

1. Burial and Dissection The treatment of the cadaver was a major issue in both penal theory and Natural Law theories of the modern age. We examine first the response of modern German jurists to an age-old dilemma and then reveal the evolution towards a more utilitarian approach to the question of status of the dead.

2. Sovereignty and the Soul The legal doctrine of sovereignty, in Bodin, is one that considers capital punishment as essential. Questions were raised, however, as to the extent of this power of the sovereign. Does it complement or reflect God's power? The introduction of mortalist arguments by Hobbes will mark, we will argue, a breaking point in the theory of punishment.

Day 3 - December 19: Necessary Evil

1. A Hierarchy of Cruelty Classical authors such as Xenophon postulated a correspondence between the punishment administered by the authorities and the character of the political regime. We will argue that this connection was preserved in the texts of the early modern age and will serve as a background of the discussion on the opportunity and significance of modes of punishment.

2. Death by Numbers Speculations on the evolution of population and its importance for the body politic form an essential part of modern political thought. We will examine the theories postulating a catastrophic development spelling the end of the state, from the 17th century fears of unchecked growth to the sophisticated arguments of Malthus.

Day 4 - December 20: Punishment (I)

1. Rituals of Torture The (politicised) travel literature in the New World often refers to a shocking ritual of torture. We will uncover the Classical origins of these descriptions and we will advance an explanation of the persistence of this topic until the late 18th century, in authors like Adam Smith.

2. A Calculus of Pain. In the 18th century, a new justification of punishment emerges. Radically opposed to classical arguments, utilitarianism advances a different understanding of the technology and the purpose of punishment. We will focus on Beccaria and on the defence of capital punishment in John Stuart Mill.

Day 5 - December 21: Punishment (II)

1. War on Beggars From the 17th century, the authorities and the moralists discover an imminent danger that threatens the foundations of the state. Vagabonds, paupers, beggars - these are all the target of a new repressive set of measures. We will analyse a little known group of texts from 18th century France, the "treatises against beggary".

2. The Worm of Conscience "Punishment" often means self-inflicted pain. In the wake of their Classical and Medieval predecessors, the French moralists of the 17th and 18th centuries, from La Rochefoucauld to Chamfort, expose the inner dimension of suffering.

Bibliography

A. Primary texts

  • Seneca, De consolatione animi and De providentia
  • Boethius, Consolations of Philosophy
  • Jean Bodin, Six Livres de la République (1576)
  • Hobbes, Leviathan (1651)
  • La Rochefoucauld, Maximes (1662)
  • Pascal, Pensées (1670)
  • Locke, Two Treatises of Government (1689) and An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690)
  • Christian Wolff, Jus naturae (1740)
  • Helvetius, De l'esprit (1758) Beccaria, On Crimes and Punishments (1764)
  • La Trosne, Mémoire sur les vagabonds et les mendians (1764),
  • Rousseau, Reveries of a Solitary Walker (1778)
  • Malvaux, Detruire la mendicité (1780)
  • Chamfort, Maximes and pensées (1795)
  • Malthus, Essay on the Principle of Population (1798)
  • John Stuart Mill, Speech in Favour of Capital Punishment (1868)

B. Secondary literature

  • J.H. Burns (ed.), The Cambridge History of Political Thought 1450-1700
  • Richard Evans, Rituals of Retribution. Capital Punishment in Germany 1600-1987
  • Robert Favre, La mort dans la literature et la pensée françaises au Siècle des Lumières
  • Michel Foucault, Discipline and Punish
  • Nicole Gonthier, Le chatiment du crime au Moyen Age
  • T.J. Hochstrasser, Natural Law Theories in the Early Enlightenment
  • Ruth Richardson, Death, Dissection and the Destitute
  • Jean Deprun, La philosophie de l'inquiétude en France au XVIIIe siècle
Courses in English

Doctoral Seminar on Neurophilosophy - CANCELLED

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Visiting professor Dan Lloyd

Time, location and registration

Periodically in early May. More information available in March.

Courses in English

History of Philosophy Research Seminar

Study units

Time, location and registration

Tue 2-4 pm P728

Content

Research seminar on Ancient to Early Modern philosophical theories of the mind, its actitivies, its passions and its relationship to body. The seminar is arranged by the members of the “History of Mind” Centre of Excellence Research Programme. It is open for researchers and students interested in the area, but does not give students credits. Please contact Vili Lähteenmäki (lahvili@cc.jyu.fi) to receive papers in advance.

Website http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/reseseminar.htm
Courses in English

Human Rights- Philosophy and Institutions

Credits

ECTS credits: 2-6 Credits (study weeks): 1-3

Teachers

Doc. Sirkku Hellsten 299907

Time, location and registration

04.02.2008 - 08.02.2008

Periodically 4.2.-8.2. each day 14-18. Place: Mon, Wed, Thu and Fri S20A sr 303, Tue S20A lr 334d

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 04.02.2008

Content

This course covers the philosophical, theoretical and cultural foundations of human rights as well as wider political and legal international perspectives and different generations of human rights. The lectures critically discuss the liberal theories of human rights and their critics both historically and in the present time. The course examines some of the philosophical foundations of modern notions of rights by looking specifically at the Natural Rights theorists of the seventeenth century. We will discuss various conceptions within this tradition, and examine in more detail what is understood by the notions “State of Nature”, “Natural Law” and “Natural Rights” and "the Social Contract" and their Utilitarian and Marxist critique. We will be assessing the validity of various philosophical and cultural justifications for and critique of human rights. We will also question how the philosophical, political and cultural disputes over the origins of human rights are related to the current issues of global justice. In relation to this Asian, African and Islamic critiques of and approaches to human rights will be explored as well as the rights of key groups of minorities, women and children. Main international human rights instruments will be also introduced and their prospects and problems discussed.

MODULE SUMMARY:

  • Topic 1 Philosophical foundations of Human Rights
  • Topic 2 Utilitarian critique of human rights
  • Topic 3 Marxist critique of human rights
  • Topic 4 Three generations of human rights thinking
  • Topic 5 Cultural relativism and the Asian critique of human rights
  • Topic 6 African foundations for human rights
  • Topic 7 Islamic foundations for human rights
  • Topic 8 The rights of minorities as human rights
  • Topic 9 Women's rights
  • Topic 10 Main human rights institutions

For more information, see the course description on http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/k2008/Hellsten%2dHumanRights.doc

Course work and forms of study

Participation in discussion during the lectures and essay (2500-4500 words).

Courses in English

Kant's Critique of Practical Reason

Credits

ECTS credits: 3-5 Credits (study weeks): 2-3

Teachers

Dr Jens Timmerman (Universities of St Andrews and Helsinki )

Time, location and registration

26.03.2008 - 28.03.2008

Period IV, periodically March 26-28, 4 hours each day (two sessions / day), each day 12-16, in Unioninkatu 37, seminar room 2.

Registration time in webOodi 01.03.08 - 26.03.08

Content

The course will focus on major themes in the second of Kant's three Critiques, the Critique of Practical Reason (1788), e.g. the nature of moral consciousness (the ‘fact of reason’), the justification of morality, ‘deontology’ (‘good’ and ‘right’), Kant's theory of ‘respect for the law’ as the motive of moral action and his reconciliation of freedom and determinism. It would be good if students were familiar with the basics of Kantian ethics, epistemology and metaphysics (i.e. the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals and the Critique of Pure Reason).

Session 1: Kant’s Critique of Practical Reason. Why did Kant come to think that a ‘critique’ of practical reason was needed? How is the project of the second Critique related to hat of the Groundwork and the first Critique? (read V 3–16)

Session 2: The derivation of the moral law (V 19–33)

Session 3: What is the significance of the ‘fact of reason’? In which sense can it replace a critical justification or ‘deduction’ of the moral law? (V 42–50)

Session 4: What is the ‘object of practical reason’? (V 57–71)

Session 5: How does Kant conceive of moral motivation? (V 71–89)

Session 6: Kant’s reconciliation of freewill and natural determinism (V 89–106)

Course text:

  • Immanuel Kant, Critique of Practical Reason, trans. M. Gregor, either in: Kant, Practical Philosophy, Cambridge 1996 (also contains Kant’s essay on ‘Theory and Practice’, in a sense his own commentary on parts of the Critique of Practical Reason in the face of public criticism, and well worth reading); published separately, with an introduction by A. Reath, in the Cambridge Texts in the History of Philosophy series, Cambridge 1997 (both books available in paperback). The German original: I. Kant, Kritik der praktischen Vernunft, vol. V of the ‘academy edition’, Berlin 1908/13 (paperback, Berlin 1968). NB: references are to the pages of this edition, reprinted in the margin of Gregor’s translation.

Secondary Literature:

  • L. W. Beck, A Commentary on Kant’s Critique of Practical Reason, Chicago 1960 O. Höffe, ed.,
  • Immanuel Kant. Kritik der praktischen Vernunft, Berlin 2002 (with articles in both English and German)
Courses in English

Lecture course (SY): Rawls, Rights, and Responsibilities

Credits

ECTS credits: 2 Credits (study weeks): 1

Teachers

Visiting professor Rex Martin (University of Kansas)

Time, location and registration

07.042008 - 28.04.2008

Period IV, April 7-28, Mon 16-18 in Main Building, lecture room 10.

Organizer: Research Collequium

Enrol: http://oodi-www.it.helsinki.fi/hy/opettaptied.jsp?html=1&Tunniste=107544&AlkPvm=07.04.2008&Kieli=e

Content

John Rawls (1921–2002), a highly influential Harvard philosopher, updated the traditional doctrine of social contract in his A Theory of Justice (1971) and paved the way for further political thought in the contexts of liberal democratic societies as well as internationally. The lectures on Rawls, Rights, and Responsibilities provide perspectives inspired both by Rawls’s inheritance and the socio-political challenges of the early 21st century. Professor Rex Martin from the University of Kansas, a distinguished author on Rawls and contemporary political ethics, opens up with a presentation entitled Rawls’s Idea of Human Rights Revisited. Subsequent lectures by Juha Sihvola and Heikki Patomäki from the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies as well as Kristina Rolin and Jukka Mäkinen (joint lecture) from the Helsinki School of Economics discuss themes ranging from respect and religion to property rights and business ethics. Ville Päivänsalo (Dept. of Systematic Theology) and Kari Saastamoinen (Renvall Institute) continue on responsibilities and the theme of the lectures in general.

The lectures are co-organized by the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (contacts: maria.soukkio@helsinki.fi) and the Department of Systematic Theology, University of Helsinki (contacts: ville.paivansalo@helsinki.fi). See the full program of the lectures: http://www.helsinki.fi/teol/steol/opiskelu/Rawls,_Rights,_Resp_program_HY1%5B1%5D.pdf

Course work and forms of study

The students of the Department of Social and Moral Philosophy can earn 2 study points by writing an essay based on the lectures and two books (or substantial parts of the books). One of the books should be written by Rawls and the other by Martha Nussbaum or any of the lecturers of the course. The essay can be written in English or Finnish. Please contact Ville Päivänsalo for further guidelines as well as for the information on separate Seminar on Rawls at the Helsinki Collegium, seminar room 136, 2–23 April and 7–14 May, Wed, 10-12, program http://www.helsinki.fi/teol/steol/opiskelu/Seminar_on_Rawls_program_HYvari_4%5B1%5D.pdf

Courses in English

Plurality, Pluralism and Democracy

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Docent Kristian Klockars 302133

Time, location and registration

16.01.2008 - 28.02.2008

Period III, Wed 12-14 S20A lr 334d, and Thu 12-14 U40 lr 14, 16.1.-27.2., examination 28.2., second examination 6.3. 12-14 in S20A sr 303. Third examination option in 28.5. 16-19 S20A sud 107 (separate enrolment).

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 21.02.2008

Content

The course is intended for students in political philosophy and related subjects on an intermediate and advanced level. The course consists of lectures, readings of related texts, discussions and a final essay on an agreed upon subject.

For more information, see: http://www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/k2008/Klockars.htm

Courses in English

Rationality, Ethics and the History of Philosophy: Seminar on Alasdair MacIntyre

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

Visiting professor, Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein, Assistant teacher, Dr. Juhana Lemetti

Time, location and registration

05.05.2008 - 09.05.2008

Periodically in May 5-9, from 9.15 to 15 with one-hour lunch break in S20A sh 244.

Registration time in webOodi 10.03.2008 - 05.05.2008

Content

Course Summary:

This course is a five-day intensive seminar on the work of Alasdair MacIntyre. We will focus on his most influential books – After Virtue, Whose Justice? Which Rationality?, and Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry – to evaluate the place of history in ethics, the role of the virtues in moral adjudication, and the nature of rationality. We will ask, as he does in the beginning of After Virtue, “Was twentieth-century ethics in a crisis?”, and then examine his answer and his solutions. We will examine his assertions that human rationality is more fluid in nature than is usually acknowledged, that moral claims are only possible within the confines of a tradition, and that even modes of academic presentation are bound-up in the presumptions of a philosopher's school of thought.

In addition to the ethical questions, this seminar will give us the opportunity to examine the way that the history of philosophy is thought about and taught. Is there an over-arching narrative to the progression of philosophy, and if so, are there more than one? Can one focus, as MacIntyre does, on the “broad strokes,” or is most philosophical work the product of detailed textual analysis as is usually supposed? Finally, is modern liberalism bankrupt, as MacIntyre seems to suggest, or is he simply postulating a different version of the same pluralisms.

Reading and Topic Schedule (please read pages by the date listed):

Students will be expected to have read Chapters 1-6 of After Virtue beforehand (Note that the text is available also in Finnish). They are also strongly suggested to familiarise themselves with MacIntyre's A Short History of Ethics.

Monday: Read: After Virtue, pp. 1 – 78.

Topics:

  • The history of ethics and where we are now.
  • MacIntyre’s crisis and his proposed solution.
  • The nature of the enlightenment.

Tuesday: Read: After Virtue, pp. 79 - 203.

Topics:

  • The enlightenment project continued.
  • Individuals and community now and in Classical Athens.

Wednesday: Read: After Virtue, pp. 204 – end.

Topics:

  • The virtues.
  • Tradition and narrative.
  • Philosophy as indictment.

Thursday: Read: Whose Justice? Which Rationality?, pp. 1 – 11, 164 – 182, 326 – end.

Topics:

  • The nature of rationality.
  • Traditions and their boundaries.
  • Due: Topics for seminar papers (optional).

Friday: Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry, pp. 1 – 57, 170 – end

Topics:

  • The nature of inquiry and presentation.
  • The concept of objective and discrete knowledge.
  • Academic and conversation.

Course work and forms of study

A note to students:

This is an intensive class, and we are reading an extraordinary amount of material, in English, in a very short period of time. Students must be committed to the project. You will be expected to come to class with specific questions to foster discussion, and to participate actively throughout the day. Given that the reading load is so heavy, it is best to plan on having no time for other academic endeavors the week of the seminar. You will be focused only on course assignments.

Daily Assignment:

Each day, students are expected to come prepared with four written questions, two of which are textual in nature and two of which address themes of interest or confusion. The goal of these questions is to highlight interesting ideas that are worth spending time on, as well as to inspire discussion in the seminar. My hope is that students will engage with one another vigorously.

Required books:

  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. After Virtue, second edition. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1984.
  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. Whose Justice? Which Rationality? Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press. 1988.
  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry. Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame Press, 1990.
  • (Strongly recommended): MacIntyre, Alasdair. A Short History of Ethics. New York: Macmillan, 1966, or the second edition published by University of Notre Dame Press, 1998.

Recommended secondary sources:

  • Horton, John and Mendus, Susan (eds.). After MacIntyre. Oxford: Polity Press, 1995.
  • Murphy, Mark C. Alasdair MacIntyre (Contemporary Philosophy in Focus). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
  • Weinstein, Jack Russell. On Alasdair MacIntyre. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2003.

For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the assistant teacher, Dr Juhana Lemetti, juhana.lemetti@helsinki.fi

Courses in English

Seminar on Cooperation and its Evolution

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 3-5 Credits (study weeks): 2-3

Teachers

Prof. Raimo Tuomela 302040

Time, location and registration

05.09.2007 - 17.10.2007

Period I, Wed 14-18 S20A kok 244

Registration time in webOodi 1.9.2007 - 17.10.2007

Content

In this seminar the cooperation will be analyzed discussed in various contexts, especially in the case of collective action dilemmas and group contexts. The seminar starts by a presentation of philosophical and conceptual accounts of cooperation. Thus, I will present my own account of cooperation (see Tuomela: The Philosophy of Sociality: The Shared Point of View, Oxford University Press, 2007). The seminar participants are expected to participate by presenting the philosophical accounts by Bratman, McMahon, Searle, and Heath. Also game-theoretical views will be covered (by means of the recent textbook by Hargreaves Heap and Varoufakis or other works, depending on the participants’ interests and level of knowledge). The evolutionary aspects will concentrate on the cultural evolution of cooperation, especially the account by Richerson and Boyd.

The seminar will meet on Wednesdays at 14.15-17.30 in Siltavuorenpenger 20 A, room 244. The first session will be on Wednesday 5.9. and the last one on 19.10. Passing the seminar requires writing an acceptable term paper.

Courses in English

Seminar on Reason Explanation - CANCELLED

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

prof. Raimo Tuomela 302040

Time, location and registration

The course is cancelled.

Courses in English

Seminar on Social Institutions

Credits

ECTS credits: 3 Credits (study weeks): 2

Teachers

prof. Raimo Tuomela 302040

Time, location and registration

12.03.2008 - 23.04.2008

Period IV, Wed 14-18 S20R meeting room 435, note! no meeting on March 26.

Registration time in webOodi 03.01.2008 - 20.04.2008

Content

SEMINAR ON SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS (March 12 – April 23, 2008), Wednesdays 14-18 h.)

A central part of the social world is an artifact, viz. a product of collective human activities, and is thus institutional in a broad sense. What does this involve from a conceptual and metaphysical point of view? In this seminar I will give some lectures in which this question will be answered in a terms of an account based on collective acceptance. The main focus will be on social institutions. I will also discuss Searle’s by now famous account of social institutions. The rest of the seminar will consist of the participants’ presentations of recent papers by other philosophers on the topic of the seminar.

Recommended literature:

  • Koepsell, D. and Moss, L., 2003, John Searle’s Ideas about Social Reality, Blackwell
  • Searle, J., 1995, The Construction of Social Reality, The Penguin Press
  • Searle, J., 2005, ‘What is An Institution?’, Journal of Institutional Economics 1, 1-22
  • Tuomela, R., 2002, The Philosophy of Social Practices: A Collective Acceptance View, Cambridge University Press
  • Tuomela, R., 2007, The Philosophy of Sociality: The Shared Point of View, Oxford University Press
Courses in English

Interdisciplinary encounters

Study units

Credits

ECTS credits: as agreed

Teachers

prof. Uskali Mäki

Time, location and registration

Period III or IV, dates and place TBA

Content

Seminar in four sessions Interdisciplinary Encounters is a seminar that deals with a set of major current developments in the social sciences, namely the intensified crossings of disciplinary boundaries. These take place in two directions. Horizontally, there are interactions between social sciences such as economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, and law. These interactions are often rather contested, such as in the case of ‘economics imperialism’, the increasing use of economics-style rational choice explanations in other social sciences. Vertically, social sciences increasingly seek guidance and insight from cognitive and life sciences, such as experimental psychology, neurobiology and evolutionary theory. Major debates accompany these developments as well.

These developments and debates provide juicy raw materials for philosophical scrutiny, and they also call for analyses from the point of view of social studies of science. Such analyses are likely to be of help in organising interdisciplinary practice and debate in the social and other sciences. They deal with issues of relations between disciplines, theories, and explanations such as: whether, how and on what grounds scientists are advised to pay attention to what happens in neighbouring disciplines; how, by way of what kinds of mechanisms, ideas are transferred across disciplinary boundaries; whether one theory or discipline is powerful enough to provide explanations that unify the phenomena and the fields that study them; or whether there is a case for pluralism and complementary coexistence among the theories.

Such issues and others will be discussed in four sessions, based on representative readings. The seminar, to be continued next year, is connected to the recently launched Academy of Finland project TINT (www.helsinki.fi/filosofia/tint). It thus also serves to explore possibilities of collaboration with participants. Please contact the instructor so as to let him know that you plan to participate.

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