Philosophy and Politics BA (Hons)

University of Exeter

This programme allows you to apply analytical-philosophical skills to the study of political events and theories. Philosophy and politics overlap considerably when it comes to discussing concepts of ‘state’, ‘democracy’ and ‘public good’, and yet both disciplines have their own methodologies and styles. This programme will enable you to become familiar with the best known approaches and appreciate their complementary nature. Studying Philosophy will give you the opportunity to discuss long-standing questions about the nature of knowledge (how do we know what we know?), science (does science provide us with a special kind of knowledge?), reality (does the world out there really exist?), ethics (how should we act?), art and beauty (who decides what counts as beautiful?), the mind-body relationship (how can the brain produce the mind?), the meaning of life (why is there something rather than nothing?) and more.From the beginning you will be encouraged to develop your own views on all these topics, and to assess other philosophers’ take on them. Studying philosophy will teach you to think rigorously, to defend your views in a clear and consistent way, to understand the why and what-for of different points of view, and ultimately to develop a sharp, analytical and open mind.During your degree you will develop a sound knowledge of the four principal areas of study in Politics: political thought, international relations, comparative government, and public policy. You’ll also gain a wider understanding of the world by focusing on both the theoretical and practical problems of politics through a combination of core compulsory modules and options covering topics as diverse as environmental politics, security, foreign policy, American politics, globalisation and political campaigns.