phi1ppr philosophical problems
PHILOSOPHICAL PROBLEMS
PHI1PPR
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject we examine some of the central problems that have captivated philosophers throughout millennia, as well as those that scientific advances and cultural changes have only recently brought to our attention. These might include: Where did the universe come from? Might a machine think? Is time travel possible? Is it morally acceptable to eat meat, or to design children genetically? Does the world suggest the existence of a designer, a God? Students will focus on examining the merits of the various arguments on these issues. What is it to be a person? Are we defined by our sexuality? Students will be introduced to most of the major philosophical areas, including epistemology (what can we know?), metaphysics (what is the nature of reality?), ethics, personal identity, and philosophy of mind.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorRicky Sebold
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | The philosophy gym, | Prescribed | Law, S. 2006 | HEADWAY |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Identify a philosophical problem and raise critical questions about its assumptions, merits or weaknesses.
- Activities:
- Choose a topic and introduce it for tutorial discussion by providing a clear and informative explanation of a main idea or claim, the problem to which it is addressed and the questions it raises.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Speaking(Speaking)
03. Identify and formulate a text-based and standard form argument.
- Activities:
- Complete the reasoning exercises from the LMS subject resources.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
04. Identify the cultural context of production of a philosophical text.
- Activities:
- In a small group identify one idea or claim in the set text that you believe reveals the author's western European perspective and compare your impression with those of the others in the group.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
05. Locate and review an unfamiliar idea or line of argument in the light of your experience or previous knowledge.
- Activities:
- Choose one of the 10 minute writing activities from LMS subject resources, think about the question, re-read the relevant set text, conduct a library/internet search and write your own response.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
06. Outline a philosophical claim and write a brief defence based on your critical assessment of a philosophical text.
- Activities:
- Choose one of the text-based learning activities from the LMS subject resources, read the set text, think about and answer the questions in the order provided being careful identify the main idea or claim of the text.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
07. Review and explore unfamiliar ideas with a partner or in a small group.
- Activities:
- Bring to class and discuss in a small group your response to one of the 10 minute writing activity exercises.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorToula Nicolacopoulos
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay 1000 words | 25 | 01, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Essay 1000 words | 25 | 01, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Essay Exam 1 hour and 30 minutes (equivalent to 1500 words) | 35 | 01, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Essay Plan (equivalent to 200 words) | 5 | 06 | |
| Tutorial Participation (oral talk - equivalent to 400 words) | 10 | 01, 07 |