The Rise of Modern Philosophy

Subject 672-348 (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 is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week, 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: At least one single-semester first-year philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of School or the subject coordinator.
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

Contact

Assoc Prof Chris Cordner

ccordner@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject is a study of metaphysical and epistemological topics arising in and from the work of 17th and 18th century philosophers from the rationalist and empiricist traditions. In each case, the focus will be on primary texts by the author concerned, though some use will be made of the secondary literature, and recent philosophical research on relevant issues. Metaphysical issues discussed may include substance and causation. Epistemological issues discussed may include the roles of experience and reason in the foundations of knowledge. Students should complete the subject able to display acquaintance with the work of selected 17th and 18th century philosophers; able to show an understanding of selected issues raised by those philosophers; and able to indicate awareness of how those issues are related to 20th century work.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this course should
  • be able to display acquaintance with the work of selected 17th and 18th century philosophers;
  • be able to show an understanding of selected issues raised by those philosophers;
  • be able to indicate awareness of how those issues are related to 20th century work.
Assessment: Two written assignments of 2000 words each, one due mid-semester 47%, the second due at the end of semester 50%, and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to manifest philosophical skill in arguing in an alert and well-informed way;
  • develop the ability to understand the abstract structure in concrete concerns;
  • have developed skills in critical thinking and analysis.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy

Download PDF version.