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Aristotle - PHI00066I

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This modules introduce the key ideas in Aristotle’s philosophy, including, for example, his theory of substance and accident, hylomorphism, and efficient, formal, material and final causation. This module is taught entirely online.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

To introduce the key ideas in Aristotle’s philosophy, including, for example, his hylomorphic theory of living substances, his analysis and explanation of change, as well as his accounts of human flourishing, virtue, agency, and practical rationality.

Module learning outcomes

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

—understand and explain a range of key problems, issues, and debates in Aristotle's philosophy and express this understanding in clear, precise, and accessible terms

—develop and articulate ranges of alternative solutions to problems and issues in Aristotle's philosophy in an open-minded way, drawing on module materials

—develop and articulate arguments for the alternative solutions considered in relation to problems and issues in Aristotle's philosophy, drawing on module materials, identifying some points of weakness and some potential points for development

—make a judgement about what is the best view on a particular problem in Aristotle's philosophy and argue in defence of this judgement

—identify some of their strengths and weaknesses by evaluating their own work in relation to departmental marking criteria

—apply simple strategies for improving their work, based on critical reflection, advice, and feedback

—demonstrate informed sensitivity to cultural and historical context in interpreting and responding to the work of others

Module content

This module is taught entirely online.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

All feedback will be returned inline with University and Departmental guidelines.

Indicative reading

Aristotle,

  • De Anima
  • Physics
  • Nicomachean Ethics


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.