| Unit name | Probability and Rationality |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL30078 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Pettigrew |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The concept of probability gives rise to deep and interesting philosophical questions. Moreover, many philosophers believe that probability theory can shed light on traditional problems in epistemology and metaphysics. This course provides a philosophical introduction to probability theory, and shows how probability can be used to help understand the nature of rational belief, rational action, and causation. Questions to be discussed from the following: Is probability an objective feature of reality, or is it a concept that we are forced to use because of our epistemic limitations? Is there more than one concept of probability? Can probability theory help solve the problem of induction? Does probability theory provide constraints on a rational person's degrees of belief? What is the relationship between probability and causality?
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
(1) demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge of and acquired an in-depth understanding of the central debates and positions in Bayesian epistemology, including the notion of degrees of belief, subjective probability, and confirmation theory.
(2) demonstrate familiarity with the central contemporary literature on these debates and positions;
(3) demonstrate skills in the researching, reading and presentation of complex material, on these debates and positions, as appropriate to Level-H.
Lectures and seminars.
Summative assessment: Journals (1500 words total). (30%) [ILOs 1-3]
Summative assessment: 3000 word essay (70%) [ILOs 1-3]
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHIL30078).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
