Many of the human concerns discussed in our General Paper (GP), Knowledge and Inquiry, and P4C classes yield in part to philosophical inquiry deepened by a broader understanding of the two branches of philosophy (ie. ethics and logic), and of the rise of modern philosophy as a social process in the light of the rise of science, nation states and globalization in both the West and the East.

Module TP101: Introduction to Ethics in Philosophy

Day / Date: Thu, 28 August 2008

Time: 2.30-4.30 pm

By: Dr Charlene Tan

Module description:

Ethics or sometimes called moral philosophy is a major branch of philosophy, encompassing right conduct and the good life. The subject is treated more broadly than the common idea of analyzing right and wrong, but the question of defending and recommending good conduct will be discussed in this introduction, based on what is taught in Singapore’s Civics and Moral Education. For many today, a central concern of ethics is "the good life", the life worth living, which is held by many philosophers to be more important than merely moral conduct.

Module TP102: Introduction to Logic in Philosophy

Day / Date: Fri, 29 August 2008

Time: 2.30-4.30 pm

By: Dr Jude Chua

Module description:

Logic in philosophy or philosophical logic is the study of the more specifically philosophical aspects of logic. It is concerned with the notions of, among others, inference, deduction and induction, rational thought, and truth. This brief introduction will focus on sentences or propositions that are capable of being true or false, which come up often in  GP and P4C lessons with children. To this extent, conceptually philosophical logic will intersect with philosophy of mind and philosophy of  language.

Module TP103: Western vs Eastern Philosophy – An Introduction

Day / Date: Sat, 30 August 2008

Time:   9.00-11.00 am

By: Dr Jude Chua (Western Philosophy); Dr Benjamin Wong (Confucianist Thinking); and Dr Azhar Ibrahim Alwee (Contemporary Islamic Thought)

Module description:

This is a panel discussion, to be chaired and moderated by Dr Ho Wah Kam. Owing to time constraints, only Confucianism and Islamic thought will be brought in to represent examples of Eastern schools of philosophical thought.

Each of the 3 speakers will spend half an hour presenting his topic. At the end of the 3 presentations, points of similarity and difference will be raised for discussion.

In contemporary Western philosophy, specialties within the field are more commonly divided into metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and aesthetics. Logic is also often included as a branch.

Confucianism (after philosopher Confucius) is a complex system of moral, social, political, philosophical, and quasi-religious thought that has had tremendous influence on the cultures and history of East Asian states..

Contemporary Islamic thought refers to the situation of Islamic philosophy in the 20th century. New movements have emerged during this time due in part to encounters with modernity and western philosophy. However, some Islamic scholars have sought to find rational principles which would establish a form of thought that is both distinctively Islamic and also appropriate for life in modern scientific societies, a debate which is continuing within Islamic philosophy today. For example, can critical thinking be accommodated in Islamic thought? 

Time: 2.30pm – 5.30pm

Venue: Raffles Girls' School (Secondary),

20, Anderson Road, Singapore 259978

Module  TP101: STU Members: $70.00   Non-Members: $120.00

Module  TP102: STU Members: $70.00   Non-Members: $120.00

Module  TP103: STU Members: $70.00   Non-Members: $120.00

Special price for those attending all the 3 modules: STU Members: $160.00 Non-Members: $310.00

(Registration fees inclusive of course materials, tea-break and prevailing GST.)