| Unit name | Paradoxes |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL10028 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Terzian |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The aim of this course is to examine and critically investigate a variety of paradoxes, some well-known and others less so, from a philosophical point of view. The aim is to raise awareness of the underlying factors determining these paradoxes, such as various theorems in mathematics, logic, economics, and philosophically important results of other kinds.
Amongst others, the unit will examine the following: The Liar Paradox (This sentence is false), Russell's Paradox (The set of all sets that are not members of themselves), The Paradox of the Heap, Zeno's paradoxes, The Prisoner's Dilemma, Various moral paradoxes.
On completion of the course students will:
(1) have a thorough understanding of a series of important philosophical paradoxes and the standard proposed solutions to these, (2) be able to critically evaluate these solutions, (3) have a thorough understanding of what philosophical (and more general) lessons we can learn from these paradoxes, (4) be in a position to relate the key ideas discussed to a range of important philosophical debates.
10 one-hour lectures
One 2000-3000 word essay, from a list of questions designed to test intended learning outcomes (1), (2), (3) and (4).
Mark Sainsbury "Paradoxes" CUP 2009 Saul Smilansky "Ten moral paradoxes" Blackwell 2007
