Module Catalogue 2022/23 - Newcastle University

PHI1010 : Rationalism and Empiricism

PHI1010 : Rationalism and Empiricism

• Offered for Year: 2026/27

• Module Leader(s): Dr Michael Lewis

• Owning School: School X
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value:	10
ECTS Credits:	5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aims of this module is to introduce students to some of the key debates in epistemology (theory of knowledge). Students will be introduced to and encouraged to reflect upon some of the central ideas and conceptual systems from the Modern Age. The module will be centred upon the debate between rationalism and empiricism, engaged in by such figures as David Hume and John Locke on the side of empiricism, Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz on the side of rationalism.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will cover some key thinkers associated with rationalism and empiricism, including but not limited to: - Descartes - Spinoza - Leibniz - Locke - Berkeley - Hume

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will: - Become acquainted with key ideas of rationalism and empiricism - Understand the area of epistemology - Acquire a basic understanding certain concepts central to modern philosophy

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will: - Be able to use the terminology of rationalism, empiricism, and other basic tenets of epistemology and modern philosophy more broadly - Be able to compare and contrast different schools of thought - Engage critically and sensitively with key texts

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Category	Activity	Number	Length	Student Hours	Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities	Lecture	8	1:00	8:00	N/A
Guided Independent Study	Assessment preparation and completion	1	20:00	20:00	Essay preparation and completion
Structured Guided Learning	Structured research and reading activities	10	1:00	10:00	Specific research or reading activities developed and directed by academic staff.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities	Small group teaching	8	1:00	8:00	Tutorials
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities	Workshops	2	1:00	2:00	N/A
Guided Independent Study	Independent study	1	52:00	52:00	Review lecture material, prepare for small group teaching and assessment.
Total	100:00

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce key themes and ideas relevant to empiricism and rationalism, which will pave the way for studying Kant in Stage 2.

Reading Lists

• PHI1010's Reading List

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment

Description	Semester	When Set	Percentage	Comment
Essay	1	A	100	2000 word essay

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The student chooses a title from a list of questions. These questions encourage independent research using the lecture content as a foundation and makes it possible to assess knowledge acquisition, interpretive skill and theoretical understanding as well as the analytical, creative and critical potential of students. The essay tests the ability to think creatively, self-critically and independently as well as managing one’s own work to set time limits.

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• PHI1010's Timetable

Past Exam Papers

• Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
• PHI1010's past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.