What is Philosophy?

Subject 161-310 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points:

12.50

Level:

3 (Undergraduate)

Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.

Pre-teaching Period Start	not applicable
Teaching Period	not applicable
Assessment Period End	not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol	not applicable
Census Date	not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail	not applicable

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.

Time Commitment:

Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week, 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.

Prerequisites:

Any four single-semester second/third-year philosophy subjects.

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

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

Coordinator

Dr Francois Schroeter

Contact

Dr Francois Schroeter

fschro@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:	This subject examines the nature of philosophy itself. Students will read what many great philosophers have said about the methods, aims, and ambitions of philosophy. And they will examine how these views have been applied in thinking about metaphysics, epistemology, or morality. The subject provides the opportunity to reflect on different strands in the philosophical tradition, which inspire conflicting projects in contemporary philosophy. It should also encourage students to reflect on the nature and methods of the philosophy they have studied to date. The subject is intended for students nearing completion of a philosophy major, but may also be taken by others.
Objectives:	Students who successfully complete this subject will know what a number of important philosophers have said about the nature of philosophy; have reflected on the nature of philosophy in the context of the philosophy they have learned; be able to articulate and defend their views on the matter; have improved their skills in writing and researching philosophy; have improved their ability in the critical analysis of texts.
Assessment:	A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (due at the end of the semester) and seminar participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts:	A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:	This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:	Students who successfully complete this subject will develop skills in critical thinking and analysis; improve their ability to think in theoretical terms; develop skills in written communication.
Related Course(s):	Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations:	Philosophy Philosophy Philosophy Philosophy Major

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