Objectivity and Value

This subject is not offered in 2008.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject explores the nature of value  including moral and ethical value, and aesthetic, religious and political value  in human life. Are such values capable of being objectively true or real; or are they essentially ÂsubjectiveÂ, having no ground or warrant outside the individualÂs (or perhaps the cultureÂs) choosing of them? Or does the truth about value lie somewhere else again?

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• have developed their powers of critical and analytical thinking, and be able to apply these powers to problems and issues in other areas of philosophy, and in other disciplines

• have acquired a greater capacity both to articulate and express their thoughts, and also to communicate them clearly and directly

• have an increased understanding of the impact of social, ethical and cultural context on many areas of human activity