Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy

The purpose of this qualification is to give the learner the opportunity to devote an entire year to the exclusive study of philosophy. This specialised focus makes possible a specialized assessment of the learner's development, competence, knowledge and insights, as well as creative and critical abilities with regard to the subject-matter of advanced philosophy.

The levels of demonstration thus required will be of practical importance, in that the learner will be able to show the ability to give an account (in writing and orally) in a coherent and critical manner, and give an account of the relationship between theory (philosophy) and practice (experience). This course is an essential preparation for the Masters programme in Philosophy, as the successful learner qualifies to apply for entry into the latter qualification.

The successful learner is a great potential asset to society in that (s)he can serve as a catalyst for new ideas, analyst of uncritical notion, and someone who can think beyond the confines of the immediate and necessary.

The learner will learn how to empower him-/herself by becoming a true citizen of the world, and is thus a potential leader in society.

The BA Honours (Philosophy) programme is a continuation of a three year BA Degree in which Philosophy is offered as a major. The prerequisite for this course is the BA Degree (with Philosophy as major), which is on NQF Level 6. This means that a number of minimum credits will already have been obtained by the Honours learner.

Normally an average of 60% in all philosophy modules on the BA level is required for entrance into the Honours programme. In special cases this requirement can be waived at the discretion of the department.

The BA programme consists of a coherent presentation of the following

• Systematic philosophy and its basic constituents and aspects,
• The history o philosophy (of which the documented history covers the better part of 26 centuries, including ancient Greek philosophy, African philosophy, Modern Philosophy, Contemporary Philosophical Trends, and more),
• The main branches of the philosophical discipline (logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics),
• Various applied philosophical disciplines (applied ethics, philosophical anthropology, social and political philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of history, etc.).

The following basic competences will have been acquired and demonstrated by the successful learner in the BA programme: critical thinking skills, an ability to think dialectically, a basic dialogical competence, appropriate writing skills, the ability to read a variety of texts and interpret various styles of writing, an insight into and proficiency to manage complex concepts, the ability to recognize fallacious arguments, distinguish between valid and invalid arguments, learn to argue persuasively, an ability to reconstruct in his/her own words the arguments of others, and thus also develop the necessary essay writing skills.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, NQF Level 7.

1. The learner demonstrates the ability to analyse, integrate and comprehend a variety of texts in the tradition of written philosophy.
2. The learner demonstrates the ability to deal with the challenging subject-matter of philosophy.
3. The learner demonstrates the capacity to plan, design, and compose an extended essay that serves as a practice run for a Masters dissertation.
4. The learner demonstrate an understanding of the theory and methodology of science and an ability to apply basic principles of scientific thinking.

1.1 Detailed study of a philosopher or group of philosophers.

1.2 Detailed study of a philosophical problem.

1.3 Critical study of a period in the history of philosophy.

1.4 Critical analysis of a recognized philosophical work.

2.In the giving of accounts (written and orally) to give proof of critical thinking skills, conceptual thinking ability, competence to handle philosophical arguments and counter-arguments, reasoning skills, dialogical competence, presentation ability.

3.1 Plan a research proposal.

3.2 Design the essay project.

3.3 Search for and review literature.

3.4 Utilise library facilities.

3.5 Utilise internet facilities.

3.6 Analyse relevant material.

3.7 Compare various arguments.

3.8 Construct diagrams (e. g. using mind mapping techniques).

3.9 Synthesise material read.

3.10 Critically review evidence in view of hypothesis.

3.11 Write/type the essay.

3.12 Make use of IT and word processing.

3.13 Use appropriate reference techniques.

3.14 Compile a thorough bibliography.

3.15 Ensuring to achieve acceptable linguistic and technical standards.

4.1 Identify the problem of defining science in terms of method.

4.2 Analyse the scientific method i.t.o. hypothesis, evidence, testing.

4.3 Meaningfully relate these to the different types of experience in scientific inquiry.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

A system of continuous assessment will include the following in the formative stage

• Seminars.
• Discussion workshops and group work.
• Field work experiments.
• Written assignments.
• Seminar presentations.
• Group work (when possible).
• Extended essay project.
• Report writing.
• Portfolio's and journals.

A system of summative assessment will include the following in the closing stage

• Written examinations.
• Oral examination(s) (when applicable).