Kant's Metaphysics of Experience

Subject 672-358 (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 Christopher Cordner

ccordner@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject is a study of Kant's explanation of and arguments for transcendental idealism in The Critique of Pure Reason. It examines the arguments that space, time and the categories, together with the transcendental unity of apperception, are the conditions of experience. How the conditions provide the basis for knowledge of the world will be discussed. In the process the role of imagination in experience will be considered. On completion of this subject, students should have a detailed knowledge of the Critique, understand Kant's philosophy in relation to his predecessors, and demonstrate an ability to critically examine philosophical theses and arguments.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • have a detailed knowledge of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason;
  • be able to understand Kant's philosophy in relation to its predecessors;
  • be able to explicate Kant's major arguments;
  • appreciate the basis and force of the different interpretations of Kant.
Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts:
  • The Critique of Pure Reason (Kant, I. Trans. and edited by Paul Guyer and Allen W. Wood) Cambridge University Press
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: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • be able to engage in detailed exegesis of a philosophical text;
  • demonstrate an ability to critically examine philosophical arguments and theses;
  • learn to think in highly abstract and theoretical terms.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient, Medieval && Early Modern Studies Major
European Studies
Philosophy

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