Philosophy of Medicine

Geared both to philosophy graduates, as a pathway into research in Philosophy of Medicine, and medical (and other) graduates, to introduce them to key concepts, arguments, texts and techniques in the Philosophy of Medicine.

• Offers a pathway into the Philosophy of Medicine particularly well suited to students whose undergraduate background is in medicine.
• Offers a wide selection of optional topics, both current and historical, covering the entire philosophical spectrum from aesthetics to logic and everything in between.
• Located in the heart of London. 

Student destinations Programme leader/s Awarding Institution Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent) Duration Location Year of entry 2013
Offered by Closing date Intake Fees Contact information Email Website

The programme is geared equally to students who already have some training in Philosophy and to those who wish to convert into the field after pursuing another subject at undergraduate level (which may be, but need not be, Medicine). It will enable the former students to consolidate their existing knowledge and to augment it with a close focus on issues in the Philosophy of Medicine. The latter students will normally be expected (though not strictly required) to take a special ‘General Philosophy’ module, which will introduce them to key theories and arguments, concepts and terminology, and classic texts from right across the philosophical spectrum. For students of both kinds, the programme will provide a firm foundation for subsequent doctoral research.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding and skills in Philosophy of Medicine. They will also have the opportunity to study other areas of Philosophy, selected from a broad range of modules, covering all areas of the subject. Those converting in from other subjects at undergraduate level will be strongly encouraged to take 'General Philosophy' as one of their options.
 
The programme has three elements:

• Two core modules, worth 20 credits each: Philosophy of Medicine and Perspectives on Death & Killing
• Dissertation of around 10,000 words, on a topic in the philosophy of medicine, worth 60 credits.
• Around four modules chosen from the MA courses in Philosophy, including General Philosophy, totalling 80 credits (with permission, one course may be taken outside the Department).

  
All students, including part-time students, should ensure that they are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.

 

A full list of option modules that we expect to offer in 2013-14 can be found under the 'Structure' tab.

Core programme content

• Philosophy of Medicine (20 credits)
• Perspectives on Death & Killing (20 credits)
• Dissertation (on a topic in the Philosophy of Medicine - 60 credits).

 

Indicative non-core content

Option modules:

The following modules are likely to be offered in 2013-14, although this is not set in stone. Occasionally, we might need to drop a module, for instance if there is insufficient demand for it from students; but, equally, there is a chance that a few other modules not listed here might end up getting added to the list. The timings, i.e. whether a module is taught in the first or the second semester, are also subject to possible revision: but the final provision should end up looking pretty close to this. Each of these modules is worth 20 credits, except where specified.

 

Both semesters:

• General Philosophy (40 credits).

 

First semester:

• Aesthetics
• Early Modern Philosophy
• Epistemology
• Ethics
• Greek Philosophical Texts I: Plato (note: presupposes some competence in the ancient Greek language)
• Greek Philosophy I: Plato
• Indian Philosophy I: The Orthodox Schools
• Metaphysics
• Nineteenth-Century Continental Philosophy
• Philosophy of Biology
• Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Psychology I
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophy of Science
• Political Philosophy
• Set Theory (note: presupposes some competence in basic symbolic logic)
• Theory of Grammar

 

Second semester:

• Epistemology II
• Ethics of Science & Technology
• Foundations of Analytic Philosophy
• Greek Philosophical Texts II: Aristotle (note: presupposes some competence in the ancient Greek language)
• Greek Philosophy II: Aristotle
• Greek Philosophy III: Special Topics (note: the topic for 2012-13 will probably be Neoplatonism)
• Indian Philosophy II: The Heterodox Schools
• Kant I: Critique of Pure Reason
• Kant II: Moral Philosophy
• Mathematical Logic (note: presupposes some competence in basic symbolic logic)
• Medieval Philosophy
• Modal Logic (note: presupposes some competence in basic symbolic logic)
• Philosophy of Language
• Philosophy of Mind II: Special Topics
• Philosophy of Physics
• Philosophy of Psychology II
• Theory of Meaning

Mostly taught through lectures and seminars; assessed through coursework and/or examinations plus a dissertation.




General entry advice

With your application form, you must include a sample of written work totalling approximately 3,000 words. We do not routinely interview applicants, but we may call you for interview; and you are very welcome to call the department to arrange a visit. We aim to process all complete applications within four to six weeks, although this may take longer over holiday periods.

You should use your personal statement to discuss your intentions for the programme, and the route that has led you to it. Please also supply a writing sample of c.3,000 words with your application. Further details can be found on the Department website.

British and EU residents can apply for AHRC studentships. Some Graduate School and School of Arts & Humanities studentships and bursaries are also available. Up to £10,000 in Department studentships offered annually. For further information, see the Departmental postgraduate Funding page: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/philosophy/study/funding/index.aspx