FIL2108 – The Philosophy of Psychology
Course description
Course content
One of the hallmarks of being human is that we can suffer as well as flourish. Focusing on positive psychology and clinical psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy, this course offers a sustained investigation of the conceptual and philosophical problems at the heart of the study of human well-being and human ill-being. Central topics include:
- the nature of happiness and well-being
- the nature and classification/diagnosis of mental disorder
- the relation between mental health and mental illness (is happiness more than the mere absence of suffering?)
- differing perspectives on mental disorder (neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, existentialism, phenomenology)
- the implicit philosophical assumptions behind major psychotherapeutic traditions, especially concerning the good life
One guiding assumption of the course is that studying well-being and ill-being side by side can be mutually illuminating.
By the end of the semester, students will be equipped to interpret psychological theories and therapeutic practices through a philosophical lens. They will also be able to consider how conceptions of the good life both inform and are informed by the science and practice of psychology.
Learning outcome
The aim is to give the participants:
- an in-depth knowledge of some central issues in philosophy of (positive and clinical) psychology?
- the ability to analyse different philosophical views on the topics covered
- the ability to express themselves in academic forms, both orally and in writing.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
Recommended previous knowledge
A basic knowledge in philosophy of mind as offered in FIL1001 – Innf?ring i metafysikk og bevissthetsfilosofi.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with FIL2101 – Fordypning - Bevissthetsfilosofi (discontinued).
- 5 credits overlap with FIL2105 – Metaphysics/Philosophy of Mind (discontinued).
Teaching
10 double sessions which will be a combination of seminars and lectures.
Examination
The exam consists of two parts:
- An essay of 5-6 pages (one page should contain approximately 2300 characters), notes and references not included.
- A 2-hour school exam.
The two parts are equally weighted.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed at the school exam.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
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.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.