Social Philosophy

Subject PHIL30051 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 (2x 1 hour lectures each week and 1x 1 hour tutorial in weeks 2-12)
Total Time Commitment: An average of 8.5 hours each week.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Students enrolling in this subject should have completed at least one prior philosophy subject.
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 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/

Contact

Associate Professor Howard Sankey

chs@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: In this course we will consider the philosophical underpinnings of some controversial social and political issues. Topics may include justifications for policies pertaining to punishment, pornography and prostitution, animal ethics, drug control and addiction, education, and terrorism. Our investigation of these topics will raise questions concerning how society ought to be designed to respect key values in a liberal society - including individual rights, autonomy, fairness, and democracy. How should these values guide us in shaping our collective life in a diverse society?
Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • understand the philosophical arguments behind some contemporary social and political theories.
  • be able to explain these theories clearly.
  • be able to present informed and fair-minded philosophical evaluations of them.
Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 50% (held at the end of semester). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the university bookshop at the commencement 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: Students who successfully complete this subject should:
  • develop the ability to analyse and critique arguments.
  • be able to think and write rigorously, imaginatively and coherently on issues of public controversy.
  • have an appreciation of the way in which philosophical theory can inform reasoned discussion of matters of ethical importance and public controversy.
Links to further information: http://www.philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy Major
Related Breadth Track(s): Ethics && Political Philosophy

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