Course content - Learning outcome - Admission - Prerequisites - Teaching - Examination - Evaluation

Course content

The subject consists of two main parts: Exphil I – History of philosophy and science, and Exphil II – Ethics.

Exphil I combines themes from the history of philosophy and the history of science in order to highlight important issues in the complex development of contemporary rational and scientific ideas. The students are introduced to some of the seminal thinkers from the important epochs which have shaped modern western civilisation.

Exphil II provides a systematic introduction to ethics. Meta-ethics, ethical theories and applied ethics in their comtemporary forms are presented.

In both these main parts the curriculum is presented partly through the original writings of philosophers and scientists and partly through commentaries

Learning outcome

The focus on some key original texts should improve the student’s ability to take an appreciative and at the same time critical stand towards important features of western philosophy and science. Through the writing of essays, the student is encouraged to reflect upon basic ethical, philosophical and scientific problems.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

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Please note that this course is intended for international students and other students whose first language is not Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Students with a Scandinavian first language may apply to the course, but admission will be delayed and the application may be rejected, depending on the amount of international applicants.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

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General university entrance requirements.

Recommended previous knowledge

A good ability to read and understand English is required for this course.

Teaching

This course has the form of lectures combined with seminary classes over a period of 16 weeks. Participation in the seminary classes is obligatory, with a minimum attendance of 5 of the first 8 weeks and 4 of the last 6 weeks of teaching. At the end of the semester, each student has to pass a qualifying multiple choice test.

Approved compulsory tuition activities are only valid for the next term that the course runs.

Access to teaching

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Examination

The student composes an essay in one of the two parts of the syllabus. The assessment follows a scale from A to E (for pass) and F (for fail).

Examination support material

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Language of examination

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Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

You may request an explanation of your grades, and you may also appeal against your grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals.

Resit an examination

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Withdrawal from an examination

A student may sit this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.

Special examination arrangements

If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Evaluation

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