The Philosophy of Philosophy

Subject PHIL30007 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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

Standard

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: An average of 8.5 hours each week.
Prerequisites: This subject is available to students completing the final year of a major in Philosophy, or those in the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy). Other students will need approval of the lecturer to enrol in this subject.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Any four single-semester second or third-year philosophy subjects.
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Francois Schroeter

Contact

Dr François 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 from the University Bookshop at the start of semester.
Recommended Texts:

None
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.
Links to further information: http://www.philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy Major

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