Reality and Value

Subject 161-513 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - 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 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the MA in Philosophy
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

Assoc Prof Christopher Donald Cordner

Contact

Assoc Prof Christopher Cordner - ccordner@unimelb.edu.au

Assoc Prof Howard Sankey - chs@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: The course asks the questions 'What is the fundamental nature of reality?’, ‘What is the nature of value?’, and ‘What is the relationship between these two things?’. It will proceed by looking at texts in which philosophers from a number of different historical periods and traditions address these issues.
Objectives:
  • develop the ability to read philosophical texts carefully and critically;#refine the critical skills necessary to undertake original research;
  • acquire detailed knowledge of the historical texts covered;
  • be able to critically evaluate and analyse these texts;
  • appreciate how these fit in to the rest of the history of philosophy.
Assessment: One 5000 word essay 100% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: This will vary from semester to semester depending on student and teacher interests.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • refine the critical skills necessary to undertake original research; including skills in assessing the strength of arguments, identifying theoretical assumptions, and assessing conflicting arguments;
  • develop the ability to read texts carefully and critically and offer textual support for interpretations;
  • develop the ability to adjudicate conflicting interpretations of texts.
Notes: Previously available as 161-513 Philosophical Texts. Students who have completed Philosophical Texts are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Arts in Philosophy (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Master of Arts in Philosophy(Adv Seminars and Shorter Thesis)(CAPPE)
Master of Arts in Professional and Applied Ethics

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