PH255-15 PPE: Interdisciplinary Topics
Introductory description
The module introduces students to questions spanning the disciplines of philosophy, politics, and economics and aims to provide insight into how all three of these disciplines can help illuminate the study of the most pressing dilemmas facing contemporary societies.
Module aims
Drawing on a wide range of intellectual traditions across the social sciences, the module aims to expose students to the assumptions and methodologies that underpin each of the three PPE disciplines, which will be explored through a number of applied topics. A complementary aim is for the module to serve an integrative role by building off common discipline-specific foundations covered in the first year and providing an introduction and/or complement to PPE-specific modules in Principles in Political Economy covered in the final year.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
We will explore key methodological issues at the intersection of PPE. We will dig deep into the nature of concepts, including costs and benefits, institutions, ideas and identity, through four applied topics: sex, drugs, death and taxes. Along the way, we will critically interrogate questions such as: are our current beliefs about exchanging money for sex built on reason or prejudice? What sort of harms do drugs cause, and do we ever want to rule out risky bargains simply because they produce harms? What is the value of a life? What does it really mean for a tax to be progressive? Guest speakers may also be invited to present reflections on these questions based on their respective experiences.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- 1. Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the differences between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research in PPE.
- 2. Apply critical thinking and reasoning skills such as making inferences, evaluating assumptions, and assessing limitations of knowledge claims.
- 3. Explain and assess key methodological concepts in PPE and apply them to new social and political issues.
- 4. Represent and critically respond to multiple points of view through effective persuasive writing.
- 5. Critically evaluate how normative concepts inform public policy debates.
- 6. Demonstrate data literacy applied to PPE research.
Indicative reading list
Please refer to the online reading list.
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Interdisciplinary
This is an interdisciplinary module that explores issues at the intersection of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.
Subject specific skills
Knowledge and understanding of how the three disciplines relate; application of PPE to real world problems; data literacy; normative analysis; policy analysis; critical thinking.
Transferable skills
Data literacy; persuasive writing; policy analysis; critical thinking.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 sessions of 2 hours (12%) |
| Seminars | 8 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
| Private study | 124 hours (83%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Private study.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 85% | Yes (extension) | |
|
2,500-word essay |
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| Annotated research paper | 15% | Yes (extension) | |
|
Choose one research paper from a prespecified list. Identify any explicit and/or implicit methodological assumptions the author(s) make and annotate the paper with your reflections on the implications of these assumptions with respect to taking a PPE perspective on the issue under investigation. |
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Feedback on assessment
Written individual feedback on annotated research paper 15% assessment. Written individual feedback on 2,500-word essay.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 2 of UPHA-V7ML Undergraduate Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 2 of UHIA-V1V5 Undergraduate History and Philosophy