Sex and Death: Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology
| Module title | Sex and Death: Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology |
|---|---|
| Module code | PHL3018 |
| Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Shane Glackin (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This module will introduce you to different perspectives on the life sciences. You will consider questions about the relation of biology to other sciences, the methods by which scientific knowledge is gained, and some deep problems raised by central biological concepts. You will gain a detailed knowledge of the central issues, problems, disputes and unresolved questions of the philosophy of biology. Topics such as evolution, human nature, genes and ecology will be discussed. This module is open for students from different disciplines and may be of particular interest to students of biology. For those studying biology, you will deepen and enhance your understanding of the living systems you are studying in the central parts of your course.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The philosophy of biology is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of philosophy. It involves close analysis of numerous aspects of biology, both contemporary and historical, and examines conceptual and methodological innovation in a range of life sciences. Students successfully completing this module will have acquired a detailed knowledge of the central issues, problems, disputes and unresolved questions of the philosophy of biology.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. understand the conceptual issues raised by contemporary theories of evolution, heredity, development and ecology
- 2. acquire knowledge of important examples of conceptual change and theoretical conflict in biology;
- 3. appreciate the interaction between empirical data and conceptual frameworks in the development of several areas of the life sciences;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. apply a reflective and sophisticated analytic understanding to complex issues and subject matter;
- 5. appreciate the role and importance of detailed empirical knowledge for philosophical understanding
- 6. analyse and communicate ideas in a clear, rational, and carefully considered way;
- 7. detect and diagnose fallacies, specious arguments, and errors in reasoning;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. demonstrate in assessed work and tutorial discussions: Precision of thought and expression (oral and written) in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems
- 9. think logically and analyse critically
- 10. think and work creatively, self-critically, and independently;
- 11. participate effectively in group discussion and argument.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- What is evolution?
- Evolutionary explanations of human nature
- Selfish genes
- Altruism and group selection
- Adaptation and function
- Genes, genetics and molecular biology
- Evolution and development
- Ecology: biodiversity, niche construction, conservation
- Species and the tree of life
- Philosophy of biology in practice
- Summarizing philosophy of biology; revision; essay and exam discussion.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 22 | Weekly 2-hour lectures/seminars or 1 hour lecture + 1 hour seminar |
| Guided Independent study | 128 | A variety of activities directed by module convener. |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 1,800 words | 1-11 | Written |
| Examination | 50 | 1 hour | 1-11 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (1,800 words) | 1-11 | August/September reassessment period |
| Examination | Examination (1 hour) | 1-11 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
*Sterelny, K., and Griffiths, P. 1999. Sex and Death: An Introduction to Philosophy of Biology. University of Chicago Press.
Hull, D.L., and Ruse, M. (Eds.). 2007. The Cambridge Companion to the Philosophy of Biology. Cambridge University Press.
Hull, D.L., and Ruse, M. (Eds.). 1998. Philosophy of Biology. Oxford University Press.
Matthen, M., and Stephens, C. (Eds.). 2007. Philosophy of Biology. Elsevier.
Ruse, M. (Ed.). 2008. The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Biology. Oxford University Press.
Sarkar, S., and Plutynski, A. (Eds.). 2008. A Companion to the Philosophy of Biology. Blackwell.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
An ELE site provides detailed module information, including online reading material.
Key words search
Evolution, Philosophy, Biology, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Nature
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2008 |
| Last revision date | 10/05/2022 |
