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  4. Issues in Philosophical Anthropology

Issues in Philosophical Anthropology

Objectives

a) Acquire a high level of knowledge in the field of Philosophical Anthropology and in particular a detailed knowledge of the fundamental concepts and of the history of Philosophical Anthropology, of its methodological and doctrinal controversies and of its interlinking with other branches of philosophy and science. b) Acquire detailed knowledge of the fundamental texts in the field of Philosophical Anthropology, with a mastering of past interpretations and of the current state of research. c) Acquire a high ability to analyse, compare, criticise and use anthropological concepts, and also to independently discuss problems and doctrinal views in the field of Philosophical Anthropology. d) Acquire the ability to carry out research work under supervision in this field that meets high scientific quality standards. e) Acquire the ability to carry out independent research in this area.

General characterization

Code

722031032

Credits

10.0

Responsible teacher

Filipe Miguel Nobre da Silva Faria, Marta Maria Anjos Galego de Mendonça

Hours

Weekly - 3

Total - 280

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

Not applicable

Bibliography

Anscombe, G. E. M. (2000). Intention (2a ed.). Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

Bratman, M. (1987). Intention, Plans, and Practical Reason, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

Ford, A., Hornsby, J., Stoutland, F. (Eds.). (2011).  Essays on Anscombes Intention. Cambridge, Massachusetts:  Harvard University Press.

Teichmann, R. (2008). The Philosophy of Elizabeth Anscombe. New York: Oxford University Press.

Wiseman, R. (2016). Routledge Philosophy Guidebook to Anscombe's Intention. London, New York: Routledge.

Teaching method

Class A - The course has a mixed approach, theoretical and practical, combining a theoretical examination of the topics of the program with the analysis of relevant texts.


Class B - Lecture and seminar mode.

Evaluation method

Class A - A 18000 and 25000 characters, including spaces, written paper. The topic for the final paper/presentation assignments is to be determined in consultation with the instructor(70%), Class A -Active participation in the seminar (30%), Class B - The evaluation focuses on a final paper (60%), and the students propose the paper’s topic. This topic must address a question related to the issues discussed in the classroom and must rely on the literature of the module. The assessment also takes attendance and class participation into account (20%), as well as a paper presentation (20%).(0%)

Subject matter

CLASS B -Most political and ethical philosophies rely on assumptions about human nature. But how can we explain the human condition? This course offers an overview of the key philosophical and scientific thoughts on human nature, focusing on how these thoughts affect our understanding of politics and ethics. It analyses classical notions of what it means to be human, from the Aristotelian political animal to the enlightened rational being, and assesses influential notions such as the self or personal identity. The module also studies the scientific view of humans as the product of evolution. Drawing on evolutionary ethics, it discusses how altruism and selfishness evolve and how this knowledge of evolution transforms contemporary political thought.