QUESTIONS THAT MATTER

PHI1QTM

2020

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject students will be introduced to topics in a range of the major philosophical areas, including epistemology (what can we know?), metaphysics (what is the nature of reality?), ethics, and political philosophy. We will examine some of the central questions 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: What is it to be a person, or a citizen? What makes your actions right or wrong? Could a machine think or be conscious? Is it morally acceptable to eat meat, or to design children genetically? Are we defined by our sexuality? What are the proper limits and functions of government or the state? Is there a rational basis for belief in the existence of God? Questions That Matter will focus on exploring the various answers to such questions, and the merits of arguments for views about them.

School: Humanities and Social Sciences (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Richard Heersmink

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: No

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: N/A

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: This subject is incompatible with PHI1PPR, since it is replacing that course

Equivalent subjects: This subject replaces PHI1PPR

Quota Management Strategy: N/A

Quota-conditions or rules: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Learning resources

Online readings

Resource Type: Web resource

Resource Requirement: Prescribed

Author: Various

Year: N/A

Edition/Volume: N/A

Publisher: Various

ISBN: N/A

Chapter/article title: N/A

Chapter/issue: N/A

URL: N/A

Other description: N/A

Source location: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing
COMMUNICATION - Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspective
COMMUNICATION - Digital Capability
DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Identify and formulate a text-based and standard form argument.
02. Identify a philosophical problem and raise critical questions about its assumptions, merits or weaknesses.
03. Identify the cultural context of production of a philosophical text.
04. Locate and review an unfamiliar idea or line of argument in the light of your experience or previous knowledge.
05. Outline a philosophical claim and write a brief defence based on your critical assessment of a philosophical text.

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 1, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Richard Heersmink

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.00 hour lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.00 hour tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle%ILO*

Essay 1: 1000 words

N/AN/AN/ANo25SILO3, SILO5, SILO6

Essay 2: 1000 words

N/AN/AN/ANo25SILO3, SILO5, SILO6

Tutorial and online participation (regular attendance and completion of 3 online tasks) -1000 words

N/AN/AN/ANo25SILO2, SILO3, SILO4

1 hour Final examination (2 or 3 short essays from set list of topics) (equivalent to 1000 words)

N/AN/AN/ANo25SILO6