Introductory description

PH358-15 Feminism

Module aims

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.

The aim of the module is for students to understand the philosophical underpinnings of feminism and apply insights from feminist thought to philosophical questions.

Example schedule:

1. What is feminism?; Feminism in philosophy.
2. The metaphysics of gender.
3. Speech act theory and pornography.
4. Feminist epistemology.
5. Implicit bias.
6. Feminist critiques of liberalism.
7. Feminist Ethics.
8. Bodies and beauty.
9. Pregnancy and decision theory.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. Understand and differentiate views on central issues in feminism, and offer relevant support for and critical responses to those views.
• 2. Explain the relevance of insights from feminism for philosophical questions in other areas of philosophy, e.g. political philosophy; epistemology; metaphysics; philosophy of language.
• 3. Isolate the important claims within readings, understand the structure of arguments, test views for strengths and weaknesses, make pertinent use of examples, and compare the substance of views consistently.
• 4. Communicate clearly and substantively in speech and in writing on the questions addressed in the module.
• 5. Reflect on the way in which we go about doing philosophy and what the best ways are of achieving those philosophical goals.

Indicative reading list

See link to online list

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Students should be able to pursue and organize philosophical research using a range of sources (print and electronic media), documenting research carefully, and showing the ability to engage independently in philosophical debate.

Transferable skills

TBC